A nurse at the Nursing Department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Eleyele Branch, Ile-Ife, Oluwatosin Ogunlowo, has advised people to eschew self-medication in treating malaria.
Ogunlowo stated this during an interview on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.
She said that every year on April 25, countries and organizations all around the globe celebrate World Malaria Day with the World Health Organisation.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
According to her, malaria is caused by plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, saying the symptoms are: Nausea; headache; muscle/joint pain; abdominal pain, and fever.
The Nurse explained that some people that are considered at risk of contracting malaria are: pregnant women; people with low immunity; children under the age of five and babies.
She stated further that a lackadaisical attitude to malaria can affect kidneys, low blood, and severe case that can lead to death.
Ogunlowo urged people to prevent malaria by sleeping under mosquito nets; wearing clothes that cover the body, uses of insecticides, and ensuring they always made their environment clean.
“The Nigerian government and various non-governmental organizations have made significant efforts to tackle malaria, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and improved access to effective antimalarial drugs,” she said.
According to her, the efforts of the Nigerian government cannot be over-emphasized in tackling malaria, appealed for more sustainable Investment in malaria control, to reduce the burden of the disease on the most vulnerable communities.
She stated further that the populace should cultivate the habit of visiting government hospitals, stressing that there are free malaria drugs at primary healthcare centers.
