The Department of Family Medicine at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, commemorated World Malaria Day with a week of activities focused on malaria awareness and prevention in Ile-Ife and its environs.
The 2024 edition of the yearly event was held on April 25, and was themed “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”
Dr. Ibrahim Bello, Head of the Family Medicine Department, highlighted the significant but insufficient progress in reducing malaria globally, noting Nigeria’s unfortunate status as the country with the highest malaria incidence and mortality rates.
He thanked the Nigerian government and the OAUTHC management for their efforts in combating the disease.
At the event, the Chief Medical Director, Prof John Okeniyi, represented by Dr Elijah Olufemi Oyetola, the Head of the Dental Centre, emphasized the importance of understanding malaria for effective health discussions.
He encouraged continuing education and active prevention strategies.
Speakers, including Mr Ogbonna from the Community Health Officers Programme, OAUTHC and Mrs Olubunmi Akinola of the Department of Nursing Services, OAUTHC, stressed community involvement in health decision-making and the pivotal role of primary healthcare in local areas for effective malaria management.
Mr. Akingboye Omokanye, Acting Head of the School of Health Information Management, discussed the critical role of medical records in tracking and managing malaria through surveillance, especially in endemic regions. Mr Adesuyi Adejuwon, the Director of Environmental Health Services, also outlined strategies for environmental malaria prevention, such as proper wastewater management, vegetation control, and community education to eliminate breeding sites.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Aderonke Awosemo, Director of Nursing Education, lauded the event for its informative nature and the collaborative efforts showcased by the Family Medicine Department.
