The Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP) has taken its campaign against malaria and diarrhea to Ekiadolor, a community close to the University of Benin Ugbowo campus, Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (600 level Pharmacy) reports.
Knowing full well that malaria still claims a large number of lives annually; this was the singular reason that prompted the ADMAP UNIBEN chapter to see the need to sensitize dwellers in Ekiadolor of the need to give attention to preventing the reproduction of its vector, the female anopheles mosquito. The event which took place at the expansive town hall in the Ekiadolor village was attended by the villagers, traders, pregnant and nursing mothers alike.
The chairman of ADMAP UNIBEN chapter, Osahenrumwen Edobor revealed that pregnant women are the most vulnerable to malaria attack due to their reduced immunity during the duration of the pregnancy. Hence, he said, mosquito treated nets were provided for all the nursing mothers and pregnant women present for the outreach.
Addressing the nursing mothers, Tochukwu Okonkwo, a 500 level pharmacy student told them to be wary of stagnant water and uncut grasses. Adding that these were the usual breeding sites for mosquitoes which can spread plasmodium which is responsible for causing malaria. He taught the recipients of the treated nets how to use the nets they were given.
One of the nursing mothers, Mrs. Favour appreciated the students profusely for organizing such laudable programme, saying such comes once in a blue moon. She urged the students to visit their community again, as they will always be welcomed.
The president of PANS, Andrew Akhabue thanked the sponsor of the programme, in the person of the immediate past commissioner for health, Edo state, Dr. Mrs. Eregie Aihanuwa who provided the mosquito treated nets that were distributed.
