Media, malaria consortium resolve to release accurate health information to public

By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi

A resolution has been made to intensify collaboration in the fight against malaria and ensure that accurate health information reaches every corner of Bauchi state.

The media parley was organised by Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Leprosy, and Tuberculosis (BACATMA), in collaboration with the Malaria Consortium, bringing together key stakeholders from the media and the health sector to strategize on enhancing public awareness and participation in malaria prevention initiatives.

BACATMA reaffirmed its commitment to combating malaria through strengthened engagement with the media as a renewed partnership was the focus on media engagement.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of BACATMA, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo, underscored the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and behavior through the dissemination of accurate and timely health information.

He described the media as a crucial ally in mobilizing communities, particularly in the successful implementation of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme.

Adamu Sambo disclosed that the Bauchi State Government has procured 4.8 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) for distribution across all 20 local government areas in 2026.

He emphasized that this intervention, combined with the ongoing SMC programme, is expected to significantly reduce the malaria burden, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.

According to him, the SMC initiative targets over two million children under the age of five, who are at increased risk of malaria during the rainy season.

He highlighted that in 2023 alone, the programme successfully averted millions of malaria cases in Bauchi State, attributing the achievement to strategic planning, strong partnerships, and grassroots-level implementation.

However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, including low community awareness, inconsistent adherence to treatment protocols, and the difficulty of accessing remote and underserved areas.

He called for a more strategic and sustained media engagement to address these gaps and maintain momentum in the fight against malaria.

Also speaking at the event, BACATMA’s Director of Malaria Control, Muhammad Isah Bello, echoed the chairman’s remarks and praised the measurable impact of the SMC programme.

He urged media organizations to intensify efforts in promoting the programme’s objectives, particularly at the grassroots level where behavior change is most critical.

Representing the Malaria Consortium, Consultant Yahaya Muhammad and Programme Officer Aisha M. Saba announced that the third cycle of the 2025 SMC campaign will commence on Thursday, August 21.

The consortium encouraged the media to play an active role in creating widespread awareness as the campaign rolls out across the state.

In a show of solidarity, representatives from major media outlets—including Bauchi Radio Corporation, Glob FM, Albarka Radio, Eagle Radio Bauchi, BATV, NTA Bauchi, Nigerian Tribune, Leadership Newspaper, and Daily Trust—pledged their commitment to supporting the campaign through robust coverage and community outreach.