Malaria which is caused by mosquitoe bites kills thousands of people in Nigeria and other sub-saharan African nations per annum.
Experts say mosquitoes thrive more in tropical climates like Nigeria.
Reports indicate that mosquito has killed many souls. A particular report titled, “World Mosquito Day: Group Advocates Policies To Eliminate Malaria,”
published in 2024 by National Record, noted that “300,000 people are dying everywhere because of mosquito.”
Besides deaths caused by malaria resulting from mosquito bites, millions of naira have been spent on drugs by infected people annually.
It has however, been observed that one of the major factors that influence breeding of mosquitoes in towns and cities, is the existence and continuos construction of open drainages by government, groups and individuals.
The said report by National Record emphasised:
‘”There should be no open drainage at this time. Every open drainage needs to be reconstructed and covered up and must flow properly.”
Fact remains that open drainages provide breeding ground for mosquitoes considering that the drainages are most times, stuffed with wastes including non degradables like plastics or metals.
When these open drainages are blocked, the stagnant water enables mosquitoes to breed especially, where fumigation is not regular.
Nigeria Newspoint therefore urges governments at all levels to phase out the construction of open drainages, and embark on redesigning of existing open drainages, covering them with slabs, ensuring proper flow of water, and by so-doing, save millions from deadly malaria attacks as well as spread of other diseases.
Additionally, government at all levels should ensure enhanced awareness creation on the need to either reduce, re-use or recycle waste for economic growth.