FG to Give 28.6m Children Malaria Chemo-preventionTreatment

In a groundbreaking effort to combat malaria in Nigeria, the Federal Government (FG) has announced plans to administer seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) treatments to 28.6 million children aged 3 to 59 months. This initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, underscores the government's commitment to tackling one of the country's most pressing public health challenges. 

 Scaling Up Malaria Prevention 
The initiative targets 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regions identified as having a high malaria burden. Dr. Joseph Ekumankama, Minister of State for Health, disclosed that the treatment program would involve the distribution of antimalarial drugs, including sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ), administered monthly during peak transmission seasons. 

"Malaria remains a leading cause of death among children under five in Nigeria. The SMC program has proven to be a cost-effective and life-saving intervention," Ekumankama said during the program's launch in Abuja. 

 What is SMC? 
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention is a preventive measure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children in areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission. The treatment provides short-term protection by reducing the parasite load in children, who are most vulnerable to severe malaria and its complications. 

 Results from Previous Campaigns 
Since its adoption in Nigeria, the SMC program has demonstrated remarkable success in reducing malaria cases among children. According to the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), regions implementing SMC have seen a significant decline in malaria incidence and hospital admissions for severe cases. 

"The SMC treatments have been a game-changer," said Dr. Fatima Waziri, Director of the NMEP. "We've observed reductions of up to 75% in malaria cases among children who received the treatment during peak seasons." 

 Nationwide Implementation Challenges 
While the plan is ambitious, implementing SMC on a large scale presents logistical challenges. Ensuring drug availability, training healthcare workers, and reaching remote areas are significant hurdles. 

To address these challenges, the government is collaborating with international organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Fund. Partnerships with local community leaders and healthcare providers are also critical to ensure the program's success. 

 Community Involvement is Key 
Public health experts emphasize that community participation is essential to achieving the program's goals. Parents and caregivers must be educated about the importance of SMC and encouraged to bring their children to healthcare centers for treatment. 

"Community health workers will play a pivotal role in this campaign," noted Dr. Waziri. "They will be responsible for administering the drugs and educating families about the benefits of the program." 

### Broader Malaria Control Efforts 
In addition to the SMC campaign, the FG is intensifying efforts to promote the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and prompt treatment of malaria cases. With Nigeria accounting for about 27% of the global malaria burden, these interventions are critical to achieving the government's goal of malaria elimination by 2030. 

 The Bigger Picture 
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, yet it remains a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria. The SMC campaign aligns with the National Malaria Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce malaria prevalence to less than 10% by 2025. 

As the campaign rolls out, experts are optimistic that the initiative will save thousands of young lives and bring Nigeria closer to its malaria elimination targets. By ensuring that every eligible child has access to preventive treatment, the government is taking a decisive step toward breaking the cycle of malaria transmission in the country. 

This bold move by the FG highlights the importance of sustained investment and collaboration in the fight against malaria—a disease that has claimed countless lives but remains entirely preventable.

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