Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, has announced that the state government has treated over 800,000 people for malaria in the past 18 months as part of its sustained efforts to eliminate the disease.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, Filani said the figure includes both preventive treatment for pregnant women and curative services for others across the state’s 177 primary healthcare centers and other levels of care.
In a statement released on Friday, the commissioner outlined the state’s progress in malaria prevention and elimination, highlighting that treatment including consultation and medication remains completely free under the Ulerawa Programme at all primary health centers.
He urged residents to seek prompt medical attention at these facilities whenever they experience symptoms of malaria.
“As part of our efforts, we have conducted over 683,000 rapid diagnostic tests in the last 18 months,” Filani revealed, adding that the state is also investing in building the capacity of its healthcare workforce to better manage malaria cases.
He further disclosed that the anticipated rollout of malaria vaccines in the coming months would present another opportunity to significantly reduce the disease’s prevalence in Ekiti.
