The Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative (CYDPAN) has taken steps to improve personal and environmental preventive measures by distributing free drugs to pregnant women to combat malaria.
The move which is part of CYDPAN’S Zero Malaria Project is to combat malaria and its negative impact on the health of expectant mothers as well as reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of pregnant women.
Also, the Zero Malaria Project took place at Cottage Hospital Ukana in Essien Udim Local Government Area on Wednesday, 26th April to mark World Malaria Day.
Briefing the expectant mothers, the Executive Director of CYDPAN, Mr. Robert Boniface highlighted the organization’s thematic areas and the zero malaria project which is aimed at educating people on malaria preventive measures, identifying and eradicating the associated effects of malaria through education, empowerment, and treatment.
The Executive Director emphasized the importance of educating individuals on malaria prevention strategies to help reduce the number of malaria cases in our communities which according to him is debilitating and fatal in severe cases.
CYDPAN Executive Director stated that through education, the organization hopes to raise awareness of malaria and its prevention, dole free drugs to pregnant women to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their babies and their from the disease.
He hinted that the organization is poised to provide basic health care treatment on malaria through diagnosis and treatment as well as promote inclusive community partnership to enhance personal and environmental preventive measures.
Sensitizing expectant mothers in attendance on the dangers of malaria during pregnancy, Mrs. Ofonime Joshua Essiet, the Supervisor of Ante- natal Clinic, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and Deputy Head, Nurses’ Continuing Education said that malaria is an endemic and potentially life-threatening disease that can lead to complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
She noted the importance of using preventive measures such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, cleaning and desilting of gutters around their neighbourhood as well as timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent the transmission of the disease to babies.
The medical expert highlighted the significance of sleeping under treated nets and advised them against converting mosquito nets to fence their farms, stating the nets are meant to protect them and their babies from malaria and should be used as intended, by hanging them over their beds at night, to prevent mosquito bites and reduce their risk of contracting malaria.
The medical expert noted that although pregnancy should not cause discomfort, the risk of contracting malaria during pregnancy can be particularly dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child, said that’s why the world set aside a day to sensitize people and call for the eradication of malaria.
She explained that one of the key measures to preventing malaria during pregnancy is to sleep under long-lasting mosquito nets, noting that these nets especially the ones made of cotton fabrics are more comfortable and breathable than other materials and can be washed up to 20 times.
However, the medical expert cautioned pregnant women against taking any kind of medication without proper medical supervision, especially during the first trimester. She emphasized that there are recommended drugs that should be taken during this time to ensure the safety of the baby and prevent malaria.
The expert who strongly advised against self medication stated that not all drugs are safe for pregnant women, adding that if they experience any changes or discomfort in their system or feel uneasy, they should seek medical advice immediately.
The medical expert also warned against the consistent intake of paracetamol during pregnancy, she noted that drugs taken must be done under strict supervision of a medical personnel, adding that they should rather comply strictly to taking SP and routine drugs, which she said have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing malaria during pregnancy.
Briefing the team in his office, Dr. Ido who’s in charge of the facility expressed gratitude to CYDPAN for embarking on such a laudable initiative of providing free drugs to expectant mothers.
He acknowledged the effort put into ensuring that the drugs were made available to the expectant mothers at no cost, and commended the organization for its timeliness in providing the support
