The Kogi State Government has officially launched the distribution of Seasonal Malaria Prevention (SMC) drugs for the year 2025. The event was presided over by the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza. During the ceremony, Dr. Abdulazeez expressed his gratitude to development partners for their invaluable support in this critical health initiative.
Dr. Abdulazeez underscored the significance of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program in mitigating malaria-related morbidity and mortality within the state. He called upon health workers, community leaders, and stakeholders to take ownership of the program, emphasizing the necessity of their active participation to ensure its successful implementation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Chief Mrs. Enehe Dorcas Omeneke, also acknowledged the contributions of development partners and their unwavering commitment to the SMC program. She praised the leadership of the governor and the dedication of the commissioners, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving the desired health outcomes.
Dr. Ake Stephen Rotimi, Program Manager for the State Malaria Elimination Program, Kogi State Ministry of Health, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support in the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention initiative.
Dr. Ake also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez Adeiza, for his tireless efforts in driving malaria prevention in the state.
He added that, Kogi State is optimistic about achieving malaria elimination.
On behalf of the Malaria Consortium, Pharmacist Andrew Okwulu expressed his appreciation to the government and the people of Kogi State for the opportunity to implement the SMC program. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the state’s malaria control efforts and commended the leadership of the governor and the dedication of the commissioners.
A representative from UNICEF, Dr Adeyeye Olumide commended the Kogi State Government for its steadfast commitment to reducing malaria prevalence in the region. He emphasized the critical role of SMC in safeguarding eligible children from malaria and praised the collaborative efforts between the government and development partners.
Pharmacist Oguche Wilson, representing the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the essential role of SMC in malaria control and commended the Kogi State Government for its proactive approach in implementing the program. He recognized the leadership of the governor
Dr. Salamatu Usman. Yahaya representing Famkris Health Care Initiative, appreciated the Kogi State Government for its commitment in malaria control. She highlighted various activities her organisation has implemented in the state in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality and commended the partnership between the government and development partners.
Dorothy L . Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
