General News
THE Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) on Thursday promised to partner Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC) to fight malaria in the country.
The National President of PECAN, Mr Olakunle Williams, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the association was willing to partner NEMC to curb the menace of malaria in Nigeria.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari, recently inaugurated NEMC to tackle the challenges of malaria in the country as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, was appointed as the Chairman of the council.
“At this juncture, we want to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on the inauguration of NEMC.
“The association wishes to also congratulate our Grand Malaria Vector Partner (GMVP), Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for being appointed to chair this council.
“PECAN is ready and willing to partner with this newly inaugurated council to ensure that the country records zero malaria zone through our collective and proactive actions,’’ Williams said.
He said that PECAN was in a better position as a body of environmental health professionals to be in the forefront of making Nigeria a pest-free nation.
He said that year 2022 World Mosquito Day was unique, saying that unique in the sense that PECAN was partnering with the highest regulatory body in the area of environmental health.
The PECAN president said that Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) and two internationally-recognised humanitarian bodies, the Rotary Club of Gbagada and the Rotaract Club were partners to the course.
Williams said Aug. 20 annually had been set aside internationally to create awareness on human deaths caused by mosquitoes worldwide and to see how these global deaths could be eliminated or abated.
According to him, PECAN as a professional body is saddled with the responsibility to ensure that the environment in our homes, workplaces, schools, shopping and recreational centres, amongst others, are safe and hygienic for healthy living.
He said that through the collaborative efforts of its members throughout the country, the association held the carnival in Lagos on Aug. 20, in commemoration of 2022 World Mosquito Day.
“PECAN used the carnival to create awareness on the danger the vector of malaria that mosquito causes in Nigeria and give preventive measures rather than curative measure.
“Preventive measures have been part of our methods of tackling the menace of malaria in the past years in the country.
“Mosquito alone transmits Zika, Dengue fever, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Filariasis, amongst other diseases.
“The question is that, should we allow this weakest and the most deadly creature of the world, ravage our lives through our negligence? The answer is No,” he said.
NAN reports that PECAN in partnership with Rotary Club fumigated drainages at Owoseni St., Ikate, Surulere, Lagos State.
The exercise which was like a carnival, was meant to kill mosquitoes, improve hygiene and good living of the residents in commemoration of the World Mosquito Day. (NAN)
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Tags: Alhaji Aliko Dangote EHORECON Muhammadu Buhari NEMC Olakunle Williams PECAN World Mosquito Day
