USAID-IHP trains lab scientists to diagnose malaria in pregnant women, children
Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
The United States Agency for International Development’s Integrated Health Programme (USAID-IHP) has trained and equipped 30 laboratory scientists in Bauchi State to diagnose malaria in pregnant women and children under 5 years old.
Dr Darlington Okoye, the Integrated Primary Healthcare Advisor of IHP in Bauchi State, made this announcement at the 2023 World Malaria Day celebration held on Tuesday at Ningi Town Maternity PHC.
He emphasized that malaria remains a disease that negatively impacts life expectancy and must be addressed at all costs.
Dr Okoye stated that USAID-IHP will continue to support the government through its agencies in the fight against malaria in the state, stressing that a combined effort is required to overcome the disease.
Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), pledged that his agency would continue to partner with others to combat malaria in the state.
He thanked USAID-IHP for its support in the fight against malaria and other diseases in the state.
Dr Sani also urged pregnant women to take all necessary precautions in fighting malaria and to take all the drugs given to them at health facilities.
He stated that treated mosquito nets would be distributed throughout the state and that the distribution would be house-to-house, specifically targeting pregnant women and children under 5 years of age.
Ibrahim Zubairu, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ningi LGA, praised the organizers of the flagging off for choosing Ningi LGA for the program.
He added that his council would prioritize healthcare delivery services in the LGA, as they are the most important thing.
Represented by the Speaker of Ningi Legislative Assembly, Yakubu Anas, Zubairu stated that healthcare delivery services would be the focus of the LGA’s efforts.
