GOSHEN Foundation Urges Action on Malaria Prevention in Kogi

The Golden Generation Women for Sound Health and Development Foundation (GOSHEN Foundation) has called for urgent action to improve malaria prevention in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, focusing on increased access to Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). This appeal follows findings from the Foundation’s Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) activities conducted in collaboration with the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) across 10 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.

Oluremi Rephael Haruna, Programme Officer at GOSHEN Foundation, reported that while malaria diagnosis and treatment services are effective, there is a critical shortage of preventive tools, particularly LLINs, with health officials indicating no supplies received for several years. Pregnant women, a vulnerable group, have been particularly affected.

GOSHEN Foundation has engaged the Kogi State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) to prioritize LLIN distribution. Dr. Ake Oluwarotimi Stephen, Programme Manager of SMEP, acknowledged the issue and noted that the last state-wide ITN campaign occurred in 2017, with plans to address the gap soon.