The Ogun State Ministry of Health on Monday in Abeokuta inaugurated a 34-man Technical Working Group (TWG) on malaria control.
The group was
inaugurated at the launch of communication materials for the campaign
on malaria control. Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary
in the ministry, Tunde Olowonyo, said the State Malaria Control
Programme (SMCP) was launched to sensitise residents on the disease. He
said the initiative this year is to reach at least 80 per cent of the
population with Behavioural Change Communication messages.
Mr Olowonyo said
the provision of adequate information and education on malaria will go
a long way in tackling the ailment. Olubunmi Odumusi, a communication
expert, who also spoke at the event, stressed the need for effective
communication as a means of controlling malaria in the country. Mrs
Odumusi,
the Director of
Planning and Research in the state’s Ministry of Information, said
communication is the only means through which the gap between malaria
and the people could be bridged. “A global malaria eradication
programme was launched many years ago, yet we are still talking of
eradication.” she said. She said the radio is the most effective medium
of communication for the control and eradication of the disease, adding
that this was followed by television. Mr Odumusi also said traditional
forms of communication like billboards, handbills and posters could
also enhance the transmission of the intended messages. “Intense and
punchy short messages transmitted through these media would also go a
long way toward enlightenment of the populace,” she added.
She however, said that the materials should be fully utilised to achieve the purpose for which they were intended.
