Sayo Àlàgbé
A medical expert and professional, Dr. Francis Oluwole Oyewumi, has advised parents to protect their children from mosquito bites to prevent malaria, a potentially life-threatening disease. He gave this advice during a live evening programme, “Tiwantiwa”, sponsored by Ogbomoso First Group and monitored on Ajilete 92.1 FM, Gambari, near Ogbomoso, yesterday at 4:30 P.m
Responding to a question on the rising malaria mortality among children in Nigeria, Dr. Oyewumi attributed the increase to several factors, including resistance to antimalarial drugs, limited access to healthcare in rural areas, poor sanitation leading to widespread mosquito breeding, and climate changes that favour mosquito survival. He further explained that many caregivers delay seeking proper treatment, resulting in severe complications and deaths.
When asked about antimicrobial resistance in malaria and its significance, Dr. Oyewumi explained that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when the Plasmodium parasite develops resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs, making treatment less effective. He stressed that this is a major concern because it leads to prolonged illness, increased transmission, higher healthcare costs, and ultimately more deaths, especially among children with weaker immune systems.
Dr. Oyewumi outlined several strategies to prevent and control malaria resistance which includes:proper use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs);strengthening malaria surveillance and monitoring drug resistance;promoting the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and indoor residual sprayings;Investing in research for new malaria treatments and vaccines;ensuring early diagnosis and treatment with effective medications.
Highlighting on how the government and stakeholders can contribute to combating malaria deaths in children, Dr. Oyewumi suggested; providing free or subsidized malaria treatments for vulnerable populations;expanding access to rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in remote areas; conducting nationwide mosquito control campaigns;educating communities on preventive measures and early treatment; improving healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely treatment.
Speaking on the role of parents and caregivers, he advised parents and caregivers to ensure that children sleep under insecticide-treated nets, maintain clean surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding, seek prompt medical attention at the first sign of symptoms, and complete the full course of prescribed malaria treatment. He also warned against self-medication, which can contribute to drug resistance.
Stressing further, Dr. Oyèwùmí Oyewumi highlighted recent innovations, such as the development of malaria vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M, which have shown promise in reducing severe cases. He added that researchers are also developing new antimalarial drugs to combat resistance and exploring genetic modification of mosquitoes to reduce their ability to spread malaria.
Dr. Oyewumi while closing the programme, urged the federal government to live up to the expectations by intensifying public health campaigns; discouraging poor sanitation practices; bushy surroundings; and stagnant water, which create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pose significant health risks.
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