Sokoto — Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has challenged government at all levels to take pro-active measures in the fight against malaria.Gowon made the call yesterday in Sokoto, at a draft agenda for the North-west zonal monitoring and evaluation stakeholders' workshop, organised by Yakubu Gowon Centre.

He said malaria can be controlled if adequate support is given and the affected communities play their role in curbing the ugly trend.

Represented by Director of the Centre, Dr Remi Sogunro, Gowon said the centre will work with governments in both federal and state levels, to ensure that malaria is completely eradicated in the country.

According to him, Nigeria is on its way to become a guinea worm-free country and no single record of guinea worm was recorded in the country in the last 24 months.

He attributed the success recorded so far to the giant strides and efforts made by governments at all levels and the Centre.

In his remarks, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, said both federal and state governments have been playing significant roles in the fight against malaria through provision of drugs and insecticide treated mosquito nets, as well as sensitisation on sanitation.