By  CHARLYNE IKPE

President of the Malaria Society of Nigeria, Dr John Babajide Puddicombe has called on  stakeholders in the fight against malaria to join hands to kick malaria out of Africa, just as Nigeria Total Upstream has pledged to partner with the Federal Government and specialist organisations in the malaria control programme..

Puddicombe who spoke in Lagos said:  “If the government and other stakeholders come together to fight malaria holistically, in no distance time, the burden of malaria in Nigeria and Africa at large may not get to zero level but can be reduced to an insignificant level.

He identified clean and simple environment as a major factor in the war against mosquitoes which transmits malaria. He tsked  Nigerians to maintain clean and simple environment as a deterrent to mosquitoes breeding and a change of attitude.

“We actually want to screen and treat as many people as possible for free we also gave free treatment to those who tested positive and they went home with free treated mosquito nets.”

On prompt treatment, he said delay could be dangerous. “Once you start having any discomfort in the body, you should try as much as possible to visit your doctor for check up as soon as possible.”

In a related event,  as part of efforts to eradicate  malaria in Nigeria Total Upstream has pledged to partner with the Federal Government and specialist organizations in the malaria control programme.

The commitment came as experts, partners, and other stakeholders from all over the country gathered at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja for  the company’s 2nd biennial Corporate Social Responsibility  conference with the  theme : “Creating Value for our Stakeholders.”

“We shall be involved in the National Malaria Control program with the aim of seeking a comprehensive approach towards the eradication of this pandemic”, noted Guy Maurice, Managing Director/Chief Executive  Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria.

Executive Director, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Mrs Edith Ofili-Okonkwo noted that the overall objective was to articulate in practical terms what the company could do  to delight our numerous stakeholders.