By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, says malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria, with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000  deaths.

The Chairman of ACPN Benue State Chapter, Mrs. Chioma Idoko who made this known in Makurdi referred to the World Health Organization, WHO, 2022 report on Malaria in Nigeria. She lamented that the prevalence of the disease in the country was a major source of concern for all.

She, however, noted that the recently developed malaria vaccine would be a potential game changer in the fight against the disease in Nigeria.

According to her “Malaria is a potentially life threatening disease and a major public health concern in Nigeria, as it accounts for 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths according to WHO report on Malaria in Nigeria, 2022.

“Malaria has the capability to hamper economic growth, wreak havoc, targeting and killing the most vulnerable in the society.

“And the Community Pharmacists appears to be the most accessible health care professionals, thus, making them the right partners for the prevention, control and treatment of the disease.

“This is largely due to the reason that pharmacists are experts in the use of medications.

Continuing, Mrs. Idoko said, “I also believe that just like every other vaccine in the public domain that has gone through the requisite screening and certification, Malaria vaccine is indeed a potential game changer targeted to combact the long battle against the scourge of the disease.

“And this will definitely go a long way to facilitate prevention and consequently,  reduce the mortality rate associated with this disease.”