Our Reporters As malaria cases soar in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the residents have called for immediate action to mitigate the fast spreading cases among children and adults in the state. Some of the residents who lamented their inability to purchase drugs, insecticides and other preventives due to the economic hardship reminded Arewa PUNCH that in the past, there used to be some form of assistance from the government and non-governmental organisation to help people manage malaria cases. One of the residents, Ibrahim Aisha, a fashion designer who resides in the Modugari area of Maiduguri, described the situation as “worrisome,” adding that two of her siblings were currently battling with the malaria scourge in her home, and when they visited the hospital, they met several other patients with similar situation.
“The situation is currently worrisome. Malaria is a common sickness in Maiduguri, especially during the rainy season. But that of this year is going out of hand.
People are contracting it anyhow, including my two siblings; and the cost of drugs is so much on the high,” she lamented. On his part, Michel Onah, who is a private school teacher explained that in previous years, Non governmental organisations and the various government levels often provided aids such as free drugs, drainage system/gutter cleanups, fumigation, mosquito nets distribution and distribution of insecticides all of which are no longer available. As a result, he urged the govern.