The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, has urged pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to manufacture vaccines against malaria.

Mr Obi made the call during an event at the ministry on Friday to commemorate 2024 World Malaria Day, with the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World.”

The commissioner said this had become necessary to reduce overdependence on developed countries to provide most medical supplies, including vaccines used in Nigeria.

He said this was the time to call on Nigeria to look into the possibilities of manufacturing vaccines in our environment.

“It is not rocket science; only if we put certain standards and policies together will it become possible in our own lifetime,” said the commissioner.

While noting that malaria was a disease of public importance, the commissioner said it was a highly prevalent parasitic infection in Sub-Saharan Africa, which resulted in high morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five and pregnant women.

He added that malaria imposed a high economic and social impact, premature deaths, reduced productivity and huge medical costs.

Mr Obi attributed the endemic to a heavy rainfall pattern with flooding in some areas, mosquitoes’ resistance to routine repellants, poor hygiene and sanitation, overcrowding, non-adherence to malaria guidelines, and inequality in access to care.

He advised citizens to keep their environment clean, put nets on their doors and windows and avoid staying outside in the evening hours when mosquitoes were high.

In a welcome address, Ifeoma Otiji, the Enugu State malaria programme manager and coordinator, lauded their partners for supporting the state.

She said they would perform tests and treat malaria patients, adding that they would be given a free drug.

World Malaria Day is celebrated every April 25 worldwide to highlight the need for continued investment and political commitment to malaria prevention and control.

WHO member states instituted it during the World Health Assembly of 2007.

(NAN)