The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, on Monday welcomed Florence Ifeanyi Aneke, State Coordinator of Civil Society for Malaria Prevention and Treatment, along with her team, on a critical advocacy visit focused on combating malaria in the region.
The visit, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is part of a national initiative aimed at boosting malaria awareness, prevention and free treatment access in five selected states across Nigeria, with Enugu State being one of them.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Ogbodo praised the visiting team for their dedication, describing the mission as “not just a health campaign, but a lifeline.”
He emphasized the need for proactive collaboration in fighting malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among children and pregnant women.
He reassured the Civil Society group of his administration’s unwavering support, calling public health the foundation of any meaningful development.
Hon. Ogbodo also acknowledged Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, crediting him for Enugu’s inclusion in the select states chosen for this life-saving programme.
He encouraged the advocacy team to continue their grassroots sensitization, stressing that malaria treatment under the program is entirely free.
“Let our people know it doesn’t cost a kobo to stay alive. The treatment is free,” he added.
In her remarks, Florence Ifeanyi Aneke expressed gratitude for the chairman’s warm reception and strong health-focused leadership.
Her team commended Nkanu West for its proactive stance and praised Hon. Ogbodo as “a leader who truly cares for his people.”
One team member made a striking point, saying: “In this part of the world, we often take malaria for granted without realizing its deadly toll. Globally, over 22,000 people die of malaria every hour.”
She described the advocacy visit as more than a courtesy call, urging communities to embrace awareness, unity and shared responsibility in eradicating malaria.
Among the key officials present at the meeting were Prince Onochie Igweshi, Secretary to Nkanu West LGA, Barr. Chidi Ani, Chief of Staff and Nicholas Aninwagu, Supervisor for Health, among others.
