Mr Olusola Onifade, the Country Programme Manager, Malaria @Abuja, has called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and philanthropists to support the government’s efforts in malaria control and prevention.

Onifade made the call at the investiture ceremony of Alhaji Rahman Olapade, as the 10th President of Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central, on Sunday in Ibadan.

He said that government alone could not control and eradicate malaria in Nigeria, hence, the need for NGOs, well-meaning individuals and other stakeholders to play active role in order to urgently achieve success in malaria control in the country.

“Malaria control issue is what everyone has to be involved in; government alone cannot do it, the community has a role to play in ensuring that malaria is prevented,” Onifade said.

He called on them to create awareness programmes on ways to prevent malaria, danger inherent and distribute treated mosquito nets in order to support the government in malaria eradication in Nigeria.

The programme manager further called on Nigerians to change their ways of lives and practice proper sanitation of their environments in oder to prevent mosquitoes breeds and bites.

He advised Nigerians to always go for proper diagnosis whenever they noticed any symptom of malaria in their body, and shun self-medication and avoid patronising street drug hawkers.

Onifade said there was danger in patronising road side drug sellers and quacks, noting that such habit could endanger their body system.

In his remarks, Olapade said the club would focus on women empowerment and girl-child health.

He said that there was need to focus on women and girl-child wellbeings.

Olapade said many of them were always at the receiving end all over the world and mostly felt the  negative impact of any kind of  diseases.

The new Rotary Club President said that the club would not abandoned other areas of human needs, and appreciated the efforts of his predecessor in service to humanity.

He pledged his commitment to improve on the successes recorded by his predecessor, with the support of other members of the club.

The outgoing President of the club, Miss Morenike Barlatt-Hughes, appreciated the club members for their supports and commitment.

Barlatt-Hughes said that this led to the achievements recorded during her tenure.

She called on members to support the new president in other to actualie the plans of the club. (NAN)