By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to develop a strong political will towards eliminating malaria in the country.

It made the suggestion as it joined the rest of the world to mark the World Malaria Day observed annually on April 25.

According to the 2019 World Malaria Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases (25% of global malaria cases) in 2018 and accounted for the highest number of deaths (24% of global malaria deaths).

NAWOJ, in a statement on Sunday signed by Ladi Bala Helen, its National President, frowned at this alarming figure, noting that this year’s theme, ‘Zero Malaria, Draw the Line Against Malaria’, is an indication that malaria is preventable. It said therefore that every malaria death is unacceptable.

NAWOJ further noted that as a country that bears the brunt of malaria burden, Nigeria should therefore be leading the cause to stamp out malaria by 2030.

“If we are aiming for zero malaria by this year, there is the need for a strong primary health care system that must ensure access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services,” the statement advised.

NAWOJ urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility to eliminate malaria in the country, as zero malaria in the country begins with every Nigerian.

“It is imperative for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets, particularly pregnant women and children from age zero to five, while eliminating mosquito breeding sites as well as proper sanitation of surroundings will help in the fight against the deadly disease.”

NAWOJ, therefore, called on women groups, non-governmental organizations and other concerned bodies to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns to enlist the support of all and sundry in the fight against the disease.