Comrade Dauda Partners World Bank Malaria Project To Eliminate Malaria In Ikeja

ADEOLA OGUNLADE 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project to tackle malaria and improve environmental health across Ikeja.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by officials of the project ahead of the commencement of the Larval Source Management intervention in the council area, Comrade Dauda said environmental sanitation and the health of residents remain top priorities of his administration. He noted that the council’s weekly environmental sanitation exercise, personally led by him every Thursday, demonstrates the government’s determination to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and create a healthier environment.

“We are passionate about the environment because the health of our people is paramount. When I learnt more about this project, I immediately keyed into it because malaria remains a major public health challenge. Ikeja Local Government will give this initiative 100 per cent support. We are ready to provide logistics, office accommodation, community engagement and every necessary support to ensure its success,” Comrade Dauda said.

The Council Chairman also pledged to mobilise Community Development Associations (CDAs), community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure residents embrace the programme, stressing that public participation and sustained environmental cleanliness are critical to eliminating malaria.

Earlier, the Project Manager of the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project under the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Mr. Philip Okoko, said the intervention is designed to reduce malaria by identifying and treating mosquito breeding sites before mosquitoes mature and spread the disease. He explained that Lagos has recorded significant progress in malaria control but requires additional interventions to achieve malaria elimination. He appealed for the support of the local government in community mobilisation, logistics and advocacy to guarantee the success of the project.