‘Eight children die of malaria every six seconds’, medic avers

A volunteer Personnel with Development Africa Malaria Elimination Programme, DAMEP and Retired Chief Matron, Ewaleifor Theresa says “eight children die of malaria every six seconds”, stressing that malaria kills more than HIV/Aids.

Ewaleifor Theresa made the declaration Tuesday November 29 at Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State during the ‘Roll Back Malaria Programme’ sponsored by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with Development Africa Malaria Elimination programme, DAMEP.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Mr. Deji Haastrup in an address, explained that the Oil and Gas major decided to sponsor the ‘Roll Back Malaria Programme’ because it “believes that malaria is preventable, it can be treated and it can be eradicated”.

While noting that “Nigeria has a high malaria prevalence rate”, Mr. Haastrup stated that “the programme also involves training of selected health workers, providing Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, LLITNs, and anti-malaria drugs to people in our communities who are currently suffering from the disease”.

R-L: Program Support Officer, Chevron, Joy Oziomaaka, Joshua Kempeneer, Mr. Esiategiwa Jolomi, Mr. Emmanuel Emeribe,  Director Gen./CEO, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Governors Office, Asaba, Dr. Ben Nkechika, Dr. Onojeta, Evans A.J. Obotenu, Atigan Jerry & others

The Chevron PGPA Boss who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Emeibe enjoined those participating in the programme to be committed so that the objectives of the programme will be met and “we would have collectively checked the menace of malaria in our communities”.

In a keynote address, Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Chief Francis Ebituoyor Maku commended the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, Development Africa and all those who collaborated to make the programme a success.

The Warri North Local Government Boss who was represented by the Council’s Supervisor for Environment, Mr. Esiategiwa Jolomi, assured of his administration’s preparedness to co-operate with the initiative so as to ensure the success of the programme.

Our Oil and Gas Correspondent reports others who spoke at the programme were Delta State Commissioner for Health represented by Dr. A.F. Onojeta, the CD, Development Africa, Joshua Kempeneer, Dr. Onuilafor Ifeanyi and Koko Community represented by Mr. Atigan Jerry.

Officials of NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, its partners, Vice Chairman of Warri North LGA, Hon. Sunny Abilo & others shortly after the programme

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