Kwara Targets 700,000 Children for SMC Drugs
Kwara State Government has assured the public of plans to administer Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs to 700,000 children, across the state, with the aim of preventing malaria amongst infants.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, gave this assurance during the week, at the official flag off of year 2025 SMC campaign, held at the Children’s Specialist Hospital, Centre Igboro, Ilorin, the State Capital.
Dr. El-Imam explained that the drugs would be given to children from 3 to 59 months, in at least 11 Local Government Areas of the state.
According to her, the distribution of malaria prevention and treatment drugs is part of government’s broader efforts to eliminate the deadly disease in Kwara State and environs.
“The state is administering these drugs in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) of the Federal Government and with support from the Global Fund. It may interest you to know that, Kwara has fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations, just like the 20 other participating states,” she stated.
El- Imam noted further that malaria remains one of the most serious public health challenges in the country, affecting children under five in particular as well as pregnant women, thereby putting pressure on families and healthcare system.
“Sad enough, malaria continually claim lives and hinder developmental progress. However, through joint efforts, innovation and strong partnerships, Kwara State is making significant strides in the fight against the ailment,” she said.
The Commissioner described the SMC as a tested and life-saving intervention, aimed at protecting vulnerable children, during the peak malaria transmission season.
She emphasized further that, administering preventive treatments during these critical months, would significantly reduce malaria related illnesses and deaths among children.
“Our health workers, community volunteers and stakeholders are fully prepared and committed to ensuring that every eligible child receives the correct dosage promptly and safely too.
“Please note that the success of this campaign depends greatly on community participation and support,” she added.
Dr. El-Imam therefore, called on traditional rulers, parents and caregivers to play their part well by ensuring children are available to receive the treatment as scheduled.
The Commissioner therefore appealed to Mothers and caregivers to maintain clean surroundings and adopt other preventive measures, such as the consistent use of insecticide treated mosquito nets.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, stressed that the SMC is a child focused initiative that poses no harm, with an assurance that the drugs would be distributed through house to house visits, and so encouraged communities to cooperate fully with government in this regard.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his continued supports especially in the health sector, adding that the SMC programme would run for four months, with trained personnel delivering the drugs directly to households.
In her goodwill message, a representative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Mrs. Eunice Akinyemi, commended Kwara State Government for its commitments and response to people’s welfare, describing his government as people friendly.
She urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics for preventive treatment emphasing the importance of mosquito net usage, and enjoined caregivers to properly administer the drugs to ensure effectiveness.
Saad Hamdalat
Press Sec
MOH
08166520513