Stakeholders in the environment sector on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Abuja expressed determination to fight malaria.
They are all united to create awareness that mosquitoes are causative agents that transmit malaria at the commemoration of the World Mosquito Day 2024.
Mr Terungwa Abari, Chairman, Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) FCT Chapter, said that mosquitoes have a massive impact on public health globally, killing more people than any other animal on the planet, spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, amongst all.
Abari said that only licensed and certified professionals in the sector should be engaged in the fight against malaria to ensure the safety of both human health and the environment.
He frowned at engaging the services of quacks stating that it could lead to more dangers than expected gains.
“The major purpose of the World Mosquito Day is to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases and their impact on global health in honour of Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery on Aug. 20 in 1897 that anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria.
“The theme for the World Mosquito Day 2024 is ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’, stresses the need to address the gaps in accessing malaria prevention, detection and treatment.
“PECAN Abuja is calling on all stakeholders to synergise their efforts in tackling the world’s deadliest killer, the mosquito, through multi-pronged approaches,” Abari appealed.
The chairman said that PECAN has been at the forefront in the fight against vectors of diseases and to cater for the welfare, health and prosperity of the citizens of Nigeria.
Dr Yakubu Baba, Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), said that malaria is a great killer in Nigeria today and mosquito is the cause.
Baba, who was represented by Mrs Fatima Suleiman, an officer of EHCON, expressed commitment of the council to fight malaria through effective sanitation and awareness campaigns.
Alhaji Salihu Adamu, Chief of Jahi 2 community, expressed satisfaction over the enlightenment and canvassed for a clean environment.
By Abigael Joshua
