By Gabriel Olawale

LAGOS—Reckitt Benckiser, makers of Mortein insecticide brand has reaffirmed its commitment to step up community sensitization towards the elimination of malaria in Nigeria.

Speaking during 2018 World Malaria Day  in Abuja, the Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Aliza Leferink said the latest World Health Organisation, WHO, Malaria Report released in November 2017, revealed there were 216 million cases of malaria in 2016 and the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 445 000 in 2016.

“An estimated 445,000 pregnant women and children aged below five die every year from malaria with Africa accounting for over 90 percent of global malaria cases and deaths. As I speak to you, millions of people are suffering from malaria all over Nigeria and every minute a child reportedly dies from malaria’’, she said.

“As an Organisation, RB Nigeria, makers of Mortein insecticide brand will always support stakeholders in Lagos, Ogun and Abia States Ministries of Health as well as the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) Abuja in the fight against malaria.

Marketing Manager, Home & Hygiene, Reckitt Benckiser, West Africa, Mrs. Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola explained that “Mortein brand has continuously put structures in place that will drastically reduce the intensity of malaria transmission in the country through sustainable initiatives.  We don’t talk about malaria prevention once a year.”