Not less than 3,000 insecticide treated mosquito nets were distributed by Total Upstream, in collaboration with Family Care Association (FCA) in Kuje, a satellite town in FCT.
CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the exercise was part of measures embarked upon by the group to support the roll back malaria campaign of the federal government in Nigeria.
It was also disclosed by sources that the group also embarked on free diagnosis and treatment of those who are tested positive to malaria, especially women and children, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for pregnant women as well as capacity building for community-based health workers, patent store operators and roll back malaria focal point officers at the local government.
In his address at the event, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, who was represented by a director from the ministry, Dr. Bridget Okeguale, said that government is putting every measure in place to eradicate malaria in Nigeria, and it would not relent in doing so, until the battle is won.
In his respond, the Managing Director of Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Guy Maurice, advised that private sectors should collaborate with the government in waging war against malaria in Nigeria.
According to statement released by his representative, Mrs. Ofili Okonkwo, who is the Executive Director Human Capital Resources, Mr. Maurice said, “The numbers are staggering; 300 million worldwide are affected by malaria every year with nearly a million people dying annually from the illness. To combat this, more collaboration is needed; more partnerships are required; more private sector involvement is essential. No one entity can fight this problem alone. That is why we are proud to be involved in this battle.”
The programme coordinator of Family Care Association, Joshua Kempeneer said Kuje was chosen as the venue because a malaria prevention community initiative spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health titled “National Malaria Elimination Programme,” launched on World Malaria Day on April 25, 2013, was held in Kuje.
