Thousands of children in Gombe State are set to benefit from a life-saving health intervention as the government, in partnership with the Malaria Consortium, begins the distribution of free antibiotics to curb pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria.
The initiative, implemented through the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), will see the administration of azithromycin, an antibiotic aimed at reducing child mortality caused by preventable diseases.
Speaking during a media briefing in Gombe, Technical Specialist with the Malaria Consortium, Obiora Anidabe, said the programme targets one million children aged one month to 59 months across the state.
He explained that the exercise, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will run free of charge for four days beginning November 10, at designated health facilities.
“We urge parents to take advantage of this opportunity and present their children for the drug administration,”, Anidabe said, reaffirming the Consortium’s commitment to reducing childhood deaths through research and evidence-based health interventions.
Also speaking, Abubakar Isa, State Project Manager for the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Nigeria (SARMAAN II) Project, said the initiative will help lower childhood morbidity and improve equitable access to essential healthcare.
He noted that the project represents a major step toward improving child health outcomes in Gombe State.
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