The Surjen, a private online healthcare service provider, in collaboration with Pseven Medical Diagnostics, has begun a free malaria test program for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
In a statement sent to DAILY NIGERIAN on Sunday, the Surjen said the program which will last for two weeks, adding that samples would be collected at beneficiary homes for free.
Tagged Surjen Free Malaria Diagnosis Program, the exercise will achieve timely and equitable access to malaria diagnosis and treatment, as well as reducing the burden of Malaria diseases in all ages; children, pregnant women, adult men, women and elderly.
The statement read: “In endemic countries like Nigeria, precise and timely diagnosis of malaria is imperative to overcome the associated risks of fatal outcomes.
“Nigeria’s contribution to Global Malaria Burden; Over ¼ of the estimated global malaria deaths occur in Nigeria (Malaria Deaths in ten highest burden African Countries (Thousands).
“This free malaria diagnosis program offered by Surjen and Pseven Medical diagnostic in the long run aims to significantly reduce the burden of disease consequent upon malaria.
“The program is provided free for all ages; children, pregnant women, adult men, women and the elderly.”
The statement reported that Malaria disease kills about 1,100 people daily in Nigeria.
“It is both a cause and consequence of underdevelopment and remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.
“Hospital reviews show that it accounts for over 60% of outpatient visits and equally responsible for 30% and 11% mortality in children under five and pregnant women respectively.
“The comprehensive health tech startup Surjen which aims to make quality healthcare services more accessible to the general public from the comfort of their homes in collaboration with a top notch diagnostic center, PSeven Medical Diagnostics sets to roll out a free malaria diagnosis program in the FCT for a two weeks period commencing from Monday 7th September 2020,” the statement added.
The statement added that Malaria is not the only cause of fever in the country and therefore, there is the need for quality diagnosis, describing the need for confirming patients with malaria that should be given anti-malarial medicines.
