Rotary International launches zero malaria project in Bayelsa

No fewer than 1500 residents across 15 communities in Bayelsa State have benefited from the ongoing Zero Malaria Project launched by the Rotary Club of Maple Grove in the United States.

The Minnesota, USA, based Rotary club in collaboration with its counterparts, Rotary Club of Yenagoa Towers and Sagbama Primary Healthcare Authority has commenced a year-long project, which includes free malaria testing and treatment.

According to Chief Mrs. Jennifer Borel, the Project Director and Assistant Governor of Rotary District 5950, USA, the project would also cover the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, blood pressure test, blood sugar test and free medicated eyeglasses provided by health professionals.

She said, “Rotary International has seven focus areas, one of which is disease prevention and treatment. Bayelsa State was selected for the project in the Niger Delta area that is characterized by high water table and low land that is susceptible to water logging during floods with resultant increase in breeding of mosquitoes. 

“These communities experiences a high prevalence of malaria. It’s also a hard-to-reach area, so I took on the responsibility to bring the project here, to help save lives from this deadly disease.

“A similar project was initiated in 2022 in Patani, Delta State, where the number of infected individuals has drastically reduced, with zero deaths recorded since then due to education and awareness in the communities.

“We decided to extend the project to Bayelsa State communities in the riverine coastal areas of Nigeria. We will have trained community-based volunteers that will continue to reach out to remote areas to educate residents and provide them with insecticide-treated nets and malaria medications.”

Also reacting, the District Governor-elect of Rotary District 9141 which encompasses Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa States, Anthony Olikagu, expressed belief that the Zero Malaria Project will prevents families from losing their loved ones to Malaria.

He stated, “Malaria deprives people of their joy, and I am delighted that thousands of families will find joy through this project. We must continue to thank Rotary International for introducing this global grant project to our local communities.

“This area is waterlogged and prone to mosquitoes, so this project will significantly contribute to eradicating the disease.”

The Sagbama Local Government Chairman, Alice Tangi, represented by Vice Chairman, Jefferson Tobi, said that the intervention of Rotary came at a critical time for riverine communities that are most affected by malaria during the rainy season.

He said, “This program is one of its kind in Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and this is the period when malaria is most prevalent here. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rotary International for bringing this project to our communities It will indeed help combat malaria.”

His Royal Majesty King Boloyi Sufadoh, the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, also expressed his appreciation for Rotary’s efforts and thanked the organization for extending the project to underserved areas in the state.

He said, “I believe that the people of the 15 communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State will benefit immensely. This is a mobile initiative involving community-based volunteers, and stipends will be provided for a year. I am confident that malaria will be eradicated upon its completion. I thank Rotary International for this initiative.”

One of the beneficiaries of the net distribution outreach, Victor Ebiado, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I received a mosquito net and malaria medication. I am very thankful because it’s not easy to implement such initiatives, especially in rural areas like ours, Thank you, Rotary!”

Dr. Nduku Maxwell a medical doctor and consultant for the Zero Malaria Project, explained that “Nigeria accounts for about 27 percent of the world’s malaria burden, resulting in approximately 200 deaths, making it the country with the highest malaria prevalence globally.

“Malaria is preventable through the use of insecticide-treated nets, and initiatives like the Zero Malaria Project are crucial in assisting government health institutions in eradicating this disease from Nigeria.”

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