Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched a free malaria testing and treatment programme to fight the disease across the state. The initiative will also provide free malaria drugs to residents.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Benin City, the governor said his administration is committed to eliminating malaria, just like countries such as Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius have done.
“Malaria is a major health challenge, but we are determined to eliminate it in Edo State,” Okpebholo said. “The support from the Islamic Development Bank will help us achieve this goal, along with our commitment to affordable healthcare.”
The governor was joined by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani-Okpebholo; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; and other health officials.
As part of the programme, the governor announced that all government hospitals in Edo State would offer free malaria testing and treatment. He also warned that any health worker caught charging patients for the free services would be punished.
“To make this programme successful, we need everyone’s support,” Okpebholo stated. “We will also run awareness campaigns to ensure that residents know about these free services.”
He added that the government aims to ensure that 80% of pregnant women in the state receive malaria prevention kits and treatment over the next two years. The goal is to reduce infant deaths caused by malaria to below 10%.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Federal Ministry of Health for their support in making the project possible.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani-Okpebholo, described malaria as a serious health issue, noting that 30% of Edo residents are at risk.
“We encourage the people of Edo to embrace this initiative because malaria affects more women and children,” she said. “This is a great programme for our people.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said the programme would run for two years, adding that all government hospitals will treat malaria patients for free.
The Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, also praised the initiative, stating that the government is committed to eliminating malaria and ensuring that all citizens have access to free malaria medication.
