Rotary International Expands Zero Malaria Project to Bayelsa Communities

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Rotary International has unveiled a yearlong malaria eradication programme in Bayelsa State, explaining that the state’s “high water table, low-lying terrain, and flooding, which encourage mosquito breeding,” influenced its selection.

The initiative, known as the Zero Malaria Project, aims to reach over 1,500 residents across 15 communities in Sagbama Local Government Area, following a successful pilot in Patani, Delta State. Beneficiary communities include Sagbama, Adagbabiri, Trofani, Kabukiri, Asamabiri, Elemebiri, Aduku, Ekperiware, Toru-Orua, and Angalabiri.

The project is spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, Minnesota, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Yenagoa Towers and the Sagbama Primary Healthcare Authority. It provides free malaria testing and treatment, insecticide-treated nets, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as free medicated eyeglasses.

Project Director and Assistant Governor of Rotary District 5950, USA, Mrs. Jennifer Borel, stressed the importance of prevention over cure. She noted:

“Over 1,500 persons spread across 15 communities in Bayelsa State have benefited from the ongoing Zero Malaria Project of Rotary International. We have seven focus areas, one of which is disease prevention and treatment. Bayelsa State was selected for the project in the Niger Delta region because it is characterised by a high water table and low land that is susceptible to water logging during floods with resultant increase in breeding of mosquitoes. These communities experience a high prevalence of malaria. It’s also a hard-to-reach area, so I took on the responsibility to bring the project here, to help save lives from this deadly disease.”

Reflecting on earlier progress, she added:

“A similar project was initiated in 2022 in Patani, Delta State, where the number of infected individuals has drastically reduced, with zero deaths recorded since then due to education and the level of awareness in the communities. We decided to extend the project to Bayelsa State communities in the riverine coastal areas of Nigeria.”

Borel expressed optimism about the programme’s sustainability, saying trained volunteers will continue to visit hard-to-reach areas with nets, drugs, and health education.

Governor-elect of Rotary District 9141, Anthony Olikagu, highlighted the wider significance:

“Malaria deprives people of their joy, and I am delighted that thousands of families will find joy through this project. We must continue to thank Rotary International for introducing this global grant project to our local communities. This area is waterlogged and prone to mosquitoes, so this project will significantly contribute to eradicating the disease.”

Also appreciating the intervention, Chairperson of Sagbama Local Government Area, Alice Tangi, represented by her Vice Chairman, Jefferson Tobi, remarked:

“This programme is one of its kind in Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and this is the period when malaria is most prevalent here. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rotary International for bringing this project to our communities. It will indeed help combat malaria.”

The Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, King Boloyi Sufadoh, shared his delight, saying he believed the people would benefit greatly, noting that volunteers would also receive stipends for their yearlong service.

One beneficiary, Victor Ebiado, expressed personal gratitude:

“I received a mosquito net and malaria medication. I am very thankful because it’s not easy to implement such initiatives, especially in rural areas like ours. Thank you, Rotary!”

Project consultant, Dr. Nduku Maxwell, underscored the urgency of such interventions:

“Nigeria accounts for about 27 per cent of the world’s malaria burden, resulting in approximately 200 deaths, making it the country with the highest malaria prevalence globally. Malaria is preventable through the use of insecticide-treated nets, and initiatives like the Zero Malaria Project are crucial in assisting government health institutions in eradicating this disease from Nigeria.

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