In commemoration of World Malaria Day, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has emphasized the critical role of maintaining a clean environment in the fight against malaria.
With this year’s theme, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’, Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted the staggering global burden of malaria, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths occurring annually, particularly in tropical regions.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that while malaria is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, its prevalence and severity can be significantly reduced through preventive measures, foremost among them being environmental cleanliness.
“In the fight against malaria, prevention is paramount,” he remarked. “Eliminating mosquito breeding sites through a clean and hygienic environment is one of the most effective strategies. Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water and unhygienic areas, so by ensuring cleanliness in our homes and surroundings, we can markedly reduce mosquito populations and, consequently, malaria transmission.”
He called upon residents to actively engage in maintaining a clean environment by avoiding indiscriminate refuse disposal, keeping surroundings clean, and supporting designated waste management agencies. Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the significant impact individual actions can have on public health outcomes.
Highlighting LAWMA’s commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness and public health, Dr. Gbadegesin assured residents of the authority’s dedication to effective waste collection, transportation, and disposal across the state. Moreover, he stressed the importance of educational campaigns to raise awareness about the crucial link between environmental hygiene and disease prevention.
“As the world observes World Malaria Day, LAWMA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and public health,” Dr. Gbadegesin asserted. “Through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, communities, and individuals, we can achieve a cleaner and healthier environment, leading to a substantial reduction in the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.”