Today is World Mosquito Day. On a day like this, the devastating story of mosquito as the carrier of the deadly parasite that engenders malaria should be loudly spoken about to all. This is very important so that folks will stop taking mosquito lightly.

Everyone knows too well how devastating malaria can be as almost everyone, at one time or the other has had malaria. This preventable disease impacts on us negatively on daily basis; as it robs off on school attendance, work, finances and many other aspects of our daily lives. Globally, the scourge of malaria is threatening as one the highest causes of disease-related mortality among children.

The insightful pupil’s story book titles MOSQUITO NOT A FRIEND, authored by Akpeji Ben perfectly comes to mind on a day like this. The book premises on issues relating to mosquito and healthcare education which helps to equip children with the right tools – information and key tips to preventing malaria. Through this book, readers, especially pupils are not only handed clear understanding of mosquito as the major cause of malaria, but also inspires and motivates readers to become advocates of healthy behaviour and mosquito-free community to contribute to the needed support.

In line with the agenda of zero tolerance for malaria, the President Buhari-led government has established a noble initiative to lend credence to the global fight against this disease by inaugurating a 16-member council: National End Malaria Council (NCEM) to initiate strategies for combating malaria – the commonest illness in every community. The 16-member council, head by Aliko Dangote is expected to come up with concerted strategy to tackle malaria to positively influence both public health as well as socio-economic benefits for Nigeria and Africa at large. Defeating malaria therefore is absolutely critical to improving the health and well-being of millions.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the globe to mark World Mosquito Day, we need no convincing that indeed mosquito is not a friend as the book – MOSQUITO NOT A FRIEND has exposed the untold bitter stories of malaria. This tiny, haggard, miserable and blood sucking insect must not be tolerated. It is an enemy that we must all unite with one heart to fight for our common good.

As the 16-member council goes to work as our new Ambassadors for Malaria eradication, no one should be left out in supporting this feat. Regardless of your status, we are all called to become Ambassadors in this noble course of fighting what threatens our common existence. With the rank of people implored into this task, I have no doubt that malaria scourge will soon be a thing of the past.