Nigerians have been urged to shun the intake of any anti-malaria warning was given in Lagos, as medical doctors and para-medical personnels stormed the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, to sensitive residents, as well as diagnose them, in commemoration of the World Malaria Day. The Executive Director, Westfield Development Initiative, WDI, Ms Mobala Lana, who gave this warning, explained that not all symptoms of fever is malaria.
Lana, said: ”Nigeria is said to account for one quarter of malaria cases in Africa. There are more deaths caused by Malaria in Nigeria than in any other country. Nigeria is said to account for about 60 per cent of outpatient visits and hospitalization among children under five years of age.” She argued that many who are treated for malaria, walk to the hospital and tell them they have malaria and they just give them anti-malaria drugs without confirmation. She cautioned: ”You may be having a flu or fatigue, thinking it is malaria. If it is the flu, it takes about seven days to get over it, if you take some fruits, and if it just stress, resting will solve the problem and not anti-malaria drugs. Lana said: ”World Malaria Day is a chance to shine the spotlight on the global effort to control and eliminate malaria. It’s an opportunity to ensure that the message of prevention and appropriate treatment continue and is communicated effectively to people.” Stressing on the antidote to malaria, Lana urged residents to ensure that they keep their environments clean, noting that allowing stagnant water around places of residence could breed mosquitoes which could lead to malaria. ”Parents should not allow their children put on dark clothes to sleep, disclosing that dark clothes attract mosquitoes,” she said.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 500 residents were attended to by five medical doctors and over 30 para-medical personnels who diagnosed their blood samples. Also, each participant got a mosquito treated net. Lana, however, stated that the WDI, is a Non Governmental Organisation, that had in the past two years, reached over 700 people with basic medical screenings, through the support of Pfizer, Fidson Plc, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Locke International Consultancy and Alimosho Local Government.
Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/world-malaria-day-dont-take-drugs-without-diagnosis-nigerians-urged/