From Sahel Reporters – Yola
The Adamawa State Government has officially flagged off the first cycle of the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign aimed at reducing malaria-related deaths among children under five years of age.
The ceremony, held on July 18, 2025, at Luggere Ward in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, was led by Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), alongside the state Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix Tangwami.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bashir emphasized the importance of the SMC initiative in protecting children during peak malaria transmission seasons.
He acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, Society for Family Health (SFH), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and called on communities across the state to fully embrace the intervention.
Representing Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Chief of Staff, Government House Yola, Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday, underscored the importance of sustained investment in malaria prevention and overall healthcare delivery.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child dies from a preventable disease like malaria, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving a healthier and malaria-free Adamawa.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic administration of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ) to eligible children, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness.
To ensure maximum coverage, trained health workers and volunteers have been mobilized for door-to-door distribution of the drugs across high-burden Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Traditional and religious leaders present at the event pledged their support in raising awareness and dispelling myths and misinformation surrounding the campaign.
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