The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) says it has provided free malaria treatment to two million children in the last five months.
Dr. Adamu Sambo, Executive Chairman of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday in Bauchi during the inauguration of the Malaria Insecticide Spraying and Larval Source Management (LSM) exercise.
He said the large-scale treatment campaign reflected the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and reducing the malaria burden in the state.
“The massive treatment outreach targets primarily children under five years, who remain the most vulnerable to the disease and its severe complications.
“The intervention is part of a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy aimed at curbing malaria transmission at the grassroots,” he said.
According to Sambo, combining medical treatment with vector control measures such as insecticide spraying and larval source management ensures a holistic approach to combating the disease.
He noted that early treatment saves lives, prevents complications and reduces the spread of malaria within communities.
Sambo added that vector control complements the treatment drive by eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce new infections.
The chairman urged residents to maintain clean environments and seek early treatment when infected.
A community leader, Muhammadu Maimako, commended the initiative, saying it would protect children and curb disease transmission.
He said malaria treatment often drains household income and affects the productivity of many families.
“Treating infected children is a crucial step towards building healthier communities,” he said.
Maimako pledged support to mobilize community participation in the malaria campaign.
