Mortein’s Community Education Campaign on Malaria Prevention
Residents of vulnerable communities in Nigeria were recently visited by Mortein, as part of their campaign to end malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Nigeria alone accounts for one-third of all malaria-related deaths worldwide, with 22 people dying from the disease every hour in the country.
Led by Kate Henshaw, Mortein brand ambassador, the team visited communities like Boundary at Ajegunle, Agbara, Makoko: Rumuigbo, and Tudun Wada to educate residents on effective measures to combat malaria-transmitting mosquitoes and prevent the spread of the disease. The team engaged in various activities, including environmental sanitation, distributing educational flyers, and offering free medical checks. These efforts aimed to promote prevention through proper sanitation, early disease detection, the use of insecticide sprays, and insecticide-treated nets.
As part of the program, Reckitt employees actively volunteered and participated in the sanitation exercise. They cleaned gutters, swept streets, and educated residents with flyers to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths. Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, head of External Communications and Partnerships at Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed her appreciation in a letter to the communities, commending their initiative in implementing the sanitation program.
During the campaign, it became evident that preventing malaria is a collective responsibility. Uzo-Ogbugh emphasized the importance of simple actions like using insecticides such as Mortein, which has been proven to kill 100% of mosquitoes. By ensuring that mosquitoes do not find a home in dirty environments or uncovered stagnant water, the spread of malaria can be prevented. Kate Henshaw, a renowned Nollywood actress, also took part in the cleanup and used the opportunity to educate residents on the significance of maintaining clean mosquito breeding areas.
Mortein has been at the forefront of the fight against malaria in recent years. The company has shown its commitment to eliminating malaria through increased awareness and preventive measures across different parts of Nigeria. By utilizing digital platforms and social media, Mortein has collaborated closely with the Federal Government, particularly through the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), to educate Nigerians about malaria-related issues.
In conclusion, Mortein’s community education campaign on malaria prevention has made significant strides in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures. Through the active involvement of residents and the support of Reckitt employees, the fight against malaria in Nigeria is gaining momentum. It is crucial for Nigerians to continue taking collective action to accelerate this fight and make the world a more equitable place, free from the burden of malaria.