OWOROSHOKI RESIDENTS CELEBRATES WORLD MALARIA DAY – MODELS AGAINST MALARIA(MAM) MADE THE PEOPLE SMILE AGAIN

25th of April is a day set aside to celebrate world malaria day. World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s decision-making body. The day was established to provide “education and understanding of malaria” and spread information on “year long intensified implementation of national malarial control strategies, including community based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas.” World Malaria Day is a day to enlighten the society about the harmful nature of malaria parasite. Over 750 million people are at risk of malaria, which is often deadly and leads to drastic economic hardship. Unlike other diseases found in the developing regions of the world, this parasite is largely an outcome of rural poverty. However, anyone can be infected, when exposed to the bite of certain mosquitoes

We live in a time when the elimination of malaria is a goal we must all strive to achieve. The theme for World Malaria Day 2019 was #Zeromalariastartswithme”, it connotes this hope and emphasizes country ownership and community empowerment for malaria prevention and care. The celebration usually entails sensitizing the people on the need to stay malaria free. Many communities do not have the knowledge and needed materials to keep their environment free from malaria due to the low living lifestyle experienced by these communities. Most of these communities lack access to quality roads, good drainage system, quality health care facilities and good environmental maintenance .

This is the case of Oworoshoki, a community located  at Gbagada, Lagos state Nigeria. The community is a fully residential area with a high population density. The layout of the area can be rated as average with fair accessibility. This slum record poor living conditions among the inhabitants, dampy and stinking environment caused by leaking taps and malodorous drains. Due to lack of good drainage systems and channels through which stinking waters can go out through, the residents are discomforted by foul smell. This also invites the presence of a large amount of Mosquitoes in the area, which makes them vulnerable to malaria parasite.

MAM team and the Oworoshoki residents

Models Against Malaria bridging the gap

Models Against Malaria (MAM) team observed the world malaria day with the people of Oworoshoki community for the second time. The team visited the community for the first time in 2018. This second visit which was targeted to meet the health need of the people recorded a very good turn out. The MAM medical team was able to test and provide drugs for over 400 residents in the community, including adult and children, men and women. A total of over 500 ACTs were distributed during this outreach. Aside providing treatment, the team also ensure that the people were enlightened about the need to stay healthy, free from malaria.

Models Against Model is one NGO in Africa, that stands out when it comes to fighting malaria and improving health standard in Africa especially rural settlements. As stated earlier Malaria is always common among rural area residents due to their poor living standard so, we at Model Against Malaria have set a goal to fight this deadly parasite and also contribute in the development of healthy living in every society in Africa. There is a need to stay #malariafree and #healthy this need serve as our pulling force to free Africa from Malaria parasite because #Zeromalariastartswithme and you.

We are Models Against Malaria, we support healthy living.