A mosquito net
Due to growing concern to stem the spread of malaria attacks on the mothers and children, a multi-national company, Reckitt Benckiser Limited makers of Mortein insecticide, has re-enforced anti-malaria awareness campaign, among the vulnerable groups in the country.
Malaria is known to be one of the most endemic diseases in the country with women and children being the most affected. Records in Nigeria show that malaria is by far the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in infants (25 per cent) and young children (30 per cent).
While it is noted that about 75 percent of malaria deaths occur in children under five, malaria also accounts for about 11 percent maternal deaths, especially for first-time mothers.
In a paper at the Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives (FOLGONM), Lagos State Sixth Annual Scientific Workshop 2012, a member of the Scientific Service Group, Reckitt Benckiser, Dr. Uchenna Nwakanma, expressed concern over the havoc caused by malaria to children and mothers in particular and the general public at large.
The forum which operates under the parent body of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has in participation Nurses and Midwives who are closer to the grass root where
we have women and children who are the most vulnerable to the malaria scourge.
On her part the Brand Manager, Mortein, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Ltd. Oluwatoyin Yusuf Said that with the high prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, among other African countries, it was important to drive awareness on cleaner environment and use of mosquito treated nets in the fight against mosquitoes.
According to her, Mortein is committed to fighting malaria as one of the major killer diseases in Sub-Sahara Africa which Nigeria is key and Reckitt Benckiser is ready to explore all possible chances in making sure mothers and children are free from malaria.
‘It is not only about selling and having the market, we want to educate and sensitize our people on how they can combat malaria by avoiding its main carrier “mosquito” in our environment. This is the rationale why we partnered with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives and the Lagos state Ministry of Health’.
She noted that there is a World Health Organisation (WHO’s) recommended standard for effective insecticides, that are harmless to consumers and encouraged Nigerians to know the right products due to some that do not adhere to standard guidelines and variety of insecticide brands flooding the market.
In her welcome address, the Chairman, Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives, Mrs. Mary Lateef-Yusuf said the Sixth Annual Scientific Workshop tagged: “Child health survival strategies: The Primary Health Care Approaches” would afford Nurses and Midwives in Lagos State the opportunity of gathering under one roof to brainstorm and learn new strategies that are geared toward achieving a malaria free Nigeria with healthy children and mothers.