By Daniel Oji
A 2-day Zero Malaria programme has commenced in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State with 30 community volunteers drawn from over 100 communities trained as frontline health ambassadors.
The programme was organized by the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, District 5950 Minnesota, USA, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Plantation City, District 9141, and the Tompolo Foundation Health Project.
Declaring the training open, Representative of Rotary Club of Maple Grove, Minnesota, USA, Rotarian Jennifer Borel, and President of Rotary Club of Plantation City, Rotarian Festus Idabe, said the volunteers were selected to be trained by medical doctors and health workers on how to test for malaria and treat uncomplicated cases.
Rotarian Borel, who is a chief from Kabowei Kingdom, said Rotarians in Maple Grove, United States, are concerned about the high prevalence of malaria in riverine areas.
She added that Rotary International is a humanitarian organization committed to the wellbeing of people in its areas of mandate.
On his part, Rotarian Idabe said the training aligns with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, particularly healthcare.
He disclosed that the programme is powered by a Rotary Global Grant and marks the kickoff of a 1-year zero malaria project in Gbaramatu.
He added that health workers would also embark on door-to-door visits across communities in the kingdom to provide continuous uncomplicated treatment and prevention services.
Also speaking, Director of Health Project, Tompolo Foundation, Dr. Clarkson Aghagha, said the programme aligns with the Foundation’s humanitarian mandate.
Dr. Aghagha, who is also a Rotarian, said the foundation is happy to partner in the training initiative aimed at reducing malaria burden in Gbaramatu.
Chairman of Oporoza Community, Mr. Emmanuel Ebi, and President of the National Association of Gbaramatu Female Graduates, Comrade Glory Ebi-Otutufegha, thanked the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, Rotary Club of Plantation City and Tompolo Foundation Health Project for the opportunity.
Facilitators, Dr. Alaowei Nduku and Cynthia Amrete, told participants they would serve as ambassadors in driving malaria to zero level in their various communities.
Some participants in an interview, pledged commitment to the programme and thanked the organizers for the initiative.
As part of activities to kick off the programme, the Rotary Club of Plantation City and Rotary Club of Maple Grove, Minnesota, USA, held an exchange fellowship to further plan ahead of the programme .
The Organizers said the collaboration is aimed at reducing the burden of malaria and other preventable health conditions in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The zero Malaria Gbaramatu programme continues with Free Medical services on Thursday August 27th and Friday August 28th at Oporoza.
