The U.S. Agency for International Department (USAID) is to initiate a comprehensive malaria treatment and prevention programme in Plateau.
A USAID official, Dr Jessica Kahuko, made the disclosure when she led a team of the Department’s officials on a courtesy visit to Gov. Simon Lalong on Tuesday in Jos.
Kahuko said the programme would be financed with the 75 million U.S. dollars budgetary provisions of the U.S. Government for malaria initiatives in 11 states in Nigeria.
The team leader said the decision to intervene in the prevention of malaria in the state was informed by alarming statistics that Plateau has one of highest prevalence in the country.
She added that the team would carry out a need assessment programme to identify gaps in malaria prevention initiatives by the state government.
She said “75 million dollars has been budgeted for the malaria programme in 11 states of the federation by the U.S. Government.
“But a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Agency and Plateau Government before the take-off of the programme”.
The USAID team leader stated that the likely areas of intervention include provision of malaria kits and drugs for pregnant women.
Other areas according to her include training of health care workers, distribution of treated mosquito nets and general improvement of the healthcare system, among others.
In his remarks, Gov. Lalong said his administration was aware of the high rate of malaria infection in the state and was ready to collaborate with stakeholders to control the menace.
The governor said the state government has a team of professionals willing to work with the USAID team for a collective task of creating a malaria-free society.
He appreciated the U.S. Agency for its intervention on malaria and HIV in the state.