Enugu enrols 1,000 pregnant women in free health scheme to combat malaria

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, has enrolled 1,000 pregnant women in a free health insurance programme aimed at reducing malaria.

The initiative, announced during activities marking World Malaria Day, will provide beneficiaries with free malaria testing and treatment, antenatal care, delivery services and postnatal support.

Speaking in Enugu, the wife of the state governor, Nkechinyere Mbah, who was named Malaria Elimination Ambassador, said efforts to eradicate the disease would be intensified, with a focus on empowering women at the household level.

The State Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, said malaria prevalence in the state had dropped from 25.5% to 9.9%. He added that free malaria testing and treatment are currently available in 527 public and private health facilities.

Mr Ugwu said the state aims to reduce prevalence below 5% by 2027 and ultimately eliminate the disease.

He also highlighted government investment in healthcare infrastructure, including hundreds of primary health centres and new hospitals, alongside support from partners such as World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Project Director of ECEWS, Ayodele Alegbeleye, said the programme followed community outreach campaigns, including awareness walks and free medical services, aimed at promoting prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Local officials and health workers were also recognised for their contributions to malaria control efforts across the state.