The Kwara State Government has launched an intensive capacity-building program for medical doctors across its health facilities, aimed at improving the clinical management of severe malaria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Ilorin, the State Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment—especially among vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
The training, themed “Strengthening Clinical Capacity for Early Detection, Effective Management, and Reduction of Mortality from Severe Malaria,” is designed to enhance the skills of frontline health workers and aligns with the state’s broader malaria control strategy.
Dr. Fakayode noted that the initiative is part of preparations for the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, which will involve house-to-house distribution of antimalarial drugs to children aged 3 to 59 months in 11 eligible local government areas.
“Severe malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and in Kwara State,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of the Malaria Unit, Alhaja Latifat Abdullahi, commended the participating doctors for their commitment, despite their busy schedules. She highlighted the critical role of ongoing professional development in delivering improved health outcomes and urged the doctors to apply the knowledge gained in their daily practice.