The Enugu State Government has announced that malaria testing and treatment will be free for the next two years, urging residents to report any healthcare facility charging for anti-malaria services.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, made this known on Wednesday during the official launch of the State Malaria Elimination Initiative, a project supported by the Islamic Development Bank’s Lives and Livelihood Fund.
Obi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare, stating that a whistleblower policy has been established to enforce the free treatment initiative.
“If anybody charges for anti-malaria drugs, please report to the whistleblower policy of Enugu State through the Ministry of Health, and we will take action,” he said.
He reiterated that Governor Peter Mbah had declared healthcare centres as facilities that belong to the people, making these services their right.
The initiative comes as Enugu State battles one of the highest malaria prevalence rates in Nigeria. According to Dr. Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), malaria prevalence in Enugu is 24%, higher than the national average of 21%.
She urged residents to take advantage of the programme to reduce the disease burden.
“In Nigeria, our statistics from the 2021 National Malaria Indicators Survey show malaria prevalence at 21%, which is still very high. Enugu State stands at 24%, which is even higher. It is important for us to act now,” Ogbulafor said.
She also noted that this was the first time since 2014 that Enugu State had received external support for its malaria programme.
The event, held at Uwani General Hospital in Enugu South Local Government Area, was organized by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with NMEP and the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme.
Stakeholders at the event, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Islamic Development Bank, emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to combat malaria in the state.
With the free treatment policy now in place, residents are encouraged to report any violations to ensure the success of the initiative and improve public health outcomes.
