The Edo State Government has announced that malaria testing and treatment will now be provided free of charge in all government hospitals, while simultaneously renovating 100 health centres across the state to boost overall healthcare delivery.
The policy aims to remove financial barriers that have traditionally limited access to malaria services, a disease that remains a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria.
Renovation work on the 100 health centres is intended to improve infrastructure, expand capacity and create a more conducive environment for both patients and health‑care workers.
State officials said the combined measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen the public health system and ensure that residents receive timely, affordable care for malaria and other common ailments.
Malaria accounts for a substantial proportion of outpatient visits in Nigeria, and free testing and treatment are expected to encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing the disease’s health and economic burden on communities.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>