2024-04-30 00:08:52
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The Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP), Dr ABOU Yahaya, hosted a press conference on Friday April 26, 2024 at the headquarters of his structure as part of the World Malaria Day celebration. For the Coordinator, through this activity, it is a matter of providing clarification on the National Strategy for the Fight against Malaria which is focused on three components, namely behavioral change (sanitation and sanitation), specific interventions and case management.
In his opening remarks, the Coordinator of the PNLP recalled that malaria is a real health problem in Niger. “From 2017 to 2022, the number of cases has increased, despite all the interventions implemented. There are certainly parameters that we can present and defend, but we think it is a challenge for all of us, to be able to reverse the trend and achieve the objective of ending the disease this is what is proposed by 2030,” he announced.
From an epidemiological point of view, the Coordinator added, in 2022, more than 5 million cases were recorded, of which 48% are children under 5 years of age. “It’s a hard-hit edge. Unfortunately, of the 5,357,153 cases, we have recorded 5,678 deaths, including 63% deaths among children between 0 and 5 years of age. These figures belong to us. As a result, during the development of the National Strategic Plan 2023-2026, we reviewed certain strategies or considered strengthening certain strategies. We cannot do without malaria when the vector is in circulation,” he insisted.
The Coordinator of the PNLP insisted that a change of behavior be made, especially the aspect of hygiene and sanitation. “This is an important aspect. Neither the PNLP nor the Ministry could act on this aspect. This is a question that concerns everyone. Neighborhood leaders, local authorities, civil society, religious leaders, economic operators, entrepreneurs, each in their own right must play a role to actively participate in the fight against malaria,” states Dr. ABOU Yahaya . He then talked about specific interventions such as intermittent malaria treatment that help prevent malaria in pregnant women and protect the baby. There is also chemo prevention of seasonal malaria. “Every time it rains, we distribute medicines to children between 3 and 59 months old. Depending on the areas, we do 3, 4 or 5 passes. These are separated passages and it depends on the rainfall in the area,” he said.
Regarding case management, the Coordinator of the PNLP mentioned the direct strategy of case management, which is carried out in all health facilities up to the community level through community relays.
The Coordinator of the PNLP returned to the reasons for choosing the theme of the Day. “The WHO collects and analyzes data from different countries. We started with the view or opinion that the situation has not improved from 2017 to 2022. That is why the WHO calls us for equity. Since, if children get malaria more than adults, somewhere, we have not played fair. And when we see pregnant women, we have to do everything we can to make sure they are really protected. So the theme is questioning,” he said. Dr. ABOU Yahaya announced that methods are being put in place to achieve this objective through awareness raising actions and the participation of all stakeholders. Regarding the malaria vaccine, the Coordinator of the Malaria Program reiterated that the process is underway. “We are on this. And soon it will start in certain areas that will be selected based on a certain number of criteria. We take care to wait for the opportune moment. Of course, the vaccine is part of the control method, but the solution is hygiene and sanitation through stagnant water and evacuating others. The vaccine will be a backup,” he said.
Farida Ibrahim Assoumane (ONEP)
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