The Kogi State Ministry of Health has advised residents to seek proper medical diagnosis before treating fever, warning that not all fever-related cases are caused by malaria.
The Ministry cautioned that the indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs without confirmed diagnosis could lead to complications and weaken effective healthcare delivery in the state.
Mrs. Victoria Daniel, Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Officer, gave the advice during a media parley organised by Famkris Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) in collaboration with the Ministry to commemorate the 2026 World Malaria Day.
She explained that fever is merely a symptom and not a disease, noting that it represents the body’s natural response to infections and may arise from various health conditions.
According to her, malaria can only be confirmed through proper diagnostic testing that detects the presence of the plasmodium parasite in the bloodstream.
Daniel further noted that the parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, stressing that accurate diagnosis is critical before treatment is administered.
“Fever is a symptom of many illnesses. A positive test confirms malaria and requires treatment, while a negative result means there is no need for antimalarial drugs,” she said.
She warned against self-medication, stating that it could worsen health conditions and delay appropriate care for the actual illness.
Daniel also advocated the use of recommended combination therapies for treating malaria, rather than monotherapy, to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of drug resistance.
On prevention, she urged residents to maintain clean environments, eliminate stagnant water, and properly cover water storage facilities to curb mosquito breeding.
She added that prompt treatment of confirmed cases would help reduce transmission, noting that mosquitoes act as vectors, transmitting the parasite from infected persons to healthy individuals.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained public health awareness campaigns aimed at reducing malaria prevalence and promoting responsible health-seeking behaviour across Kogi State.
