LASG Emphasizes Diagnosis Before Malaria Treatment

LASG Emphasizes Diagnosis Before Malaria Treatment

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has urged residents to undergo proper diagnosis before taking malaria treatment, stressing the dangers of self-medication and the misuse of anti-malarial drugs.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the government emphasized that not all fevers or body pains are caused by malaria. He warned that treating malaria without a proper test could lead to drug resistance, complications, and mismanagement of other potential health conditions.

Abayomi noted that the state government, in partnership with health agencies, has provided rapid diagnostic test kits (RDTs) and laboratory facilities in public hospitals and primary healthcare centers across Lagos to ensure proper malaria detection and treatment. He encouraged residents to visit healthcare centers for accurate testing before commencing any medication.

The commissioner also warned against indiscriminate use of anti-malarial drugs, particularly artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are effective but can become less potent due to frequent misuse. He urged pharmacies and patent medicine vendors to comply with government regulations by ensuring that customers present a confirmed malaria test result before purchasing malaria drugs.

Speaking further, Abayomi reiterated LASG’s commitment to reducing malaria prevalence through sustained efforts such as environmental sanitation, mosquito control measures, and public awareness campaigns. He called on Lagosians to adopt preventive measures like using insecticide-treated nets, eliminating stagnant water, and maintaining clean surroundings to curb the spread of malaria.

Residents have been advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, chills, headaches, nausea, or fatigue, rather than assuming they have malaria. LASG has vowed to continue its fight against malaria through improved healthcare services, public sensitization, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.