Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) has called for the Implementation and Enforcement of National Environmental Health Practice Regulations to Reduce the Incidences of Malaria Burden by 70%.
EHORECON Registrar, Dr. Baba Yakubu Mohammed made the call in a statement commemorating this year’s World Malaria Day on Monday.
Registrar said the theme “Harness Innovation to Reduce Malaria Burden and Save Lives” calls for synergy among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government in the prevention and control of Malaria in Nigeria.
The statement signed by kehinde A. Openibo, Director, Public Affairs for the Registrar/CEO reiterated that Nigeria represents the world’s greatest malaria burden with approximately 51 million cases and 207,000 deaths reported annually.
He stated that this represents 30% of the total malaria burden in the region, adding that this huge health challenge requires much commitment by all.
Dr. Baba Yakubu further explained that Africa is the most affected region in the world over, saying about 165.9 million cases of the diseases were reported in the continent in 2020 with an estimated 95% of cases and 96% of deaths of which 80% of all deaths were among children aged under 5 full years.
The EHORECON boss however went further to highlight some of the relevant guidelines developed by the Council to help the public on how to ensure clean and healthy environment as follows.
This includes “Standard Operational Guidelines for Inspection and Certification of Premises; 2022 Disinfection and Decontamination of Microbial and Chemical Impacted Surfaces, 2022; The Control of Public Health Pest and Vectors Infestation for Environmental Health Professionals in Nigeria, 2022; Sanitation in Child Care Centres (Pre-school) and Special Homes in Nigeria, 2014.
Others are Hygiene and Sanitation in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, 2014; Ship Hygiene and Sanitation in Nigeria, 2014; Registration of Public Health Pest and vector control service providers; 2014: Environmental Health Guidelines and Rules for Estate and Pocket Layouts in Nigeria.
“Environmental Health Guidelines for Private Sector Participation in Waste Management (Collecting, Sorting, Transport and Disposal) Services, 2013; Environmental Health Guidelines for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in Sewage management and Environmental Health Surveillance in Nigeria 2014.”
