Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) has stated that elimination of malaria requires strengthening community responses through regular awareness campaigns and timely medical support as it has a significant impact on the health of infants, young children, and pregnant women.

It also stated that protecting them from mosquito bites is crucial for their health and well-being.

SEEPCO stated this during its Malaria Prevention Initiative at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, which involved the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets to 150 pregnant women.

The health care initiative was launched to address the issue of malaria which is prevalent during the rainy season.

Present at the event were Chief Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Olufemi Omololu; Deputy Chief Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Ogungbemile; and Nurse Champion, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Elizabeth Oluwatoyin. They all commended the initiative.

Omololu stressed that prevention is always better than cure, adding that malaria is a huge problem to pregnant women and to successfully control malaria, measures such as improved sanitation, using an insect repellent, clean environment and enhanced health education could go a long way in eliminating it from communities.

On her part, Oluwatoyin said pregnant women and children account for the vast majority of deaths in Nigeria due to malaria and many are not aware of the challenges associated with treating malaria.

“Initiative like this provides a framework for strengthening preventive actions,” she said.