Concerns are mounting as health workers operating patent medicine stores within the Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State express deep apprehension about the escalating prevalence of malaria within the local communities.
In a series of interviews conducted by PLATFORM TIMES on Sunday, a worrisome trend emerged as health workers unanimously voiced their unease regarding the soaring number of malaria cases afflicting the residents.
The health workers underscored the stark reality of an alarmingly high frequency of individuals falling victim to malaria fever.
Consequently, there has been a corresponding surge in the demand for malaria medications, with more residents seeking anti-malarial drugs from health centers and medicine stores.
Mrs. Friday Uzoamaka, the owner of a patent medicine store in Arigbajo community, Wasimi, expressed her deep concern about the rampant prevalence of Malaria fever. She stated, “Malaria medication is being sold at an unprecedented rate.
I’m even selling up to 5 packs in a day due to the daily occurrence of malaria cases caused by mosquito bites, exacerbated by stagnant water.”
In response, she actively advised her patients to opt for mosquito nets instead of mosquito coils, citing complaints of side effects like cough, catarrh, and sneezing associated with coil usage.
Uzoamaka urgently called upon the government to provide more resources for combatting the spread of malaria.
She articulated, “The government should kindly supply us with more mosquito nets and conduct insecticide spraying in our surroundings to curb the mosquito population.
Our community still grapples with inadequate development, and Wasimi shouldn’t be categorized as an urban area, given the persistence of numerous rural communities.”
Another concerned health worker, Mrs. Favour Igwe, residing in the Iyanu-Lawo community, highlighted a range of factors contributing to the widespread prevalence of malaria.
In addition to weather conditions, she pointed out water quality and certain lifestyle habits as contributing factors.
Igwe elucidated, “While the prevailing weather conditions play a pivotal role in the rising malaria rate, our individual habits also contribute.
Improper water consumption is rampant, with the assumption that bottled water is safe.
However, some bottled water companies compromise water purity due to inadequate drum cleaning.”
She emphasized the importance of consuming boiled and properly preserved water, especially during this season, and stressed the need for mosquito nets while sleeping.
The concerted worry of health workers over the increasing malaria burden underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this public health challenge, with a call for collective responsibility from both the government and residents alike.
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