The MD and Co-Founder Massimiliano Spalazzi stated “malaria is a life-threatening disease and all efforts must be intensified by the government and corporate organizations to eradicate the disease. Therefore, Kaymu has partnered with Global Oceon to spread awareness about the cause of malaria and preventive measures to residents of the Itedo Village in Lekki Area of Lagos State”.
According to WHO, malaria still kills an estimated 627,000 people every year, mainly children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2013, 97 countries had on-going malaria transmission. In order to combat the disease, the World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria.
The World Malaria Day recognizes global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. According to WHO, these efforts have saved an estimated 3.3 million lives since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 42% globally and 49% in Africa. Increased political commitment and expanded funding have helped to reduce malaria incidence by 25% globally, and 31% in Africa.
The MD of Global Oceon Mr. Seun Faluyi stated “I want particularly thank Kaymu who have donated the nets. They heard that we were planning this walk and intended to donate treated nets free of charge and they offered to provide the nets themselves so that we would not have to pay for them. They are an example of a socially responsible corporate citizen and I want to thank them very much and say that we are proud to be associated them.”
The Lagos State Health Commission added “To sustain these activities provided by the government and partners, it is important that the citizens in the state are equipped with the right information to enable them take appropriate actions regarding malaria control”.
This year’s World Malaria Day themed “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria” is a call to the government, corporate organizations, foundations and well-meaning citizens to contribute their quota to the eradication of Malaria in the country.