Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), that promotes social behavioural change in the health sector, says it has trained 140 community volunteers on malaria in Plateau.

Dr Catherine Igho, its coordinator in the state, disclosed this on Saturday in Jos during a meeting that focused on ‘Changing the Malaria Narrative in Plateau’.

“The training was our organisation’s effort toward changing the malaria narrative in the state,” she said, adding that the 140 volunteers were from seven local government areas.

“Our goal is to sensitise members of the respective communities on the importance of adopting and inculcating healthier behaviours,” she said.

She pointed out that about 60 per cent of fever cases were caused by malaria, “which is vicious but preventable”.

“To attain a positive narrative change on malaria, it is salient that people’s behaviour must change. They must inculcate the act of sleeping under treated nets.

“They must also keep their surroundings clean and free of stagnant water, while pregnant women must take malaria prophylaxis, amongst others,” she said.

Ms Igho called for an improvement in health facilities offering free malaria services in the rural settlements, while efforts must be made to ensure that more areas had access to those services.

She further called for the provision of malaria services in areas hit by crisis.

Earlier, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau commissioner for health, who was represented by the ministry’s director of public health, Dr Mafwalal Masok, had commended the NGO for its immense contribution to the fight against malaria.

(NAN)