The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to reduce the disease burden of Rivers people.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this in a goodwill message from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday, 24th April 2022 to commemorate World Malaria Day, 2022.
Banigo said under the watch of Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike the prevalence rate of malaria in the state has reduced significantly, noting that the state prevalence rate of malaria is 11.3% against the national prevalence of 24%.
According to the public health physician, Rivers State is amongst the best five states in the country in terms of Malaria control.
The deputy governor insisted that citizens must take responsibility to keep their environment clean, get rid of stagnant water, sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, and test for malaria before medication in the quest to control and eliminate malaria.
25th of April every year is set aside to commemorate World Malaria Day.
The theme for 2022 World Malaria Day is “Advance Equity, Build Resilience, and End Malaria-Every Effort Counts.”