Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over a growing wave of mosquito infestation across several districts, resulting in an increase in reported malaria cases.
The residents, particularly in Wuse zones 3, 4 and 6 of Abuja, say the development has led to a spike in hospital visits, with many patients diagnosed with severe malaria infections, commonly referred to as “malaria plus.”
Despite the ongoing dry season and the absence of recent rainfall, the affected communities report persistent mosquito breeding in stagnant water trapped in blocked gutters, canals and sewage systems.
They attribute the infestation to poor drainage and inadequate environmental sanitation.
Some residents who spoke with Kapital FM, in Abuja called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to curb the situation before it escalates further.
The residents have therefore appealed to the Environmental Department of the FCT Administration to immediately commence the clearance of blocked drainages and canals across the Territory.
They also called for a territory-wide fumigation exercise, noting that similar interventions carried out in the past yielded positive results.
The residents expressed hope that swift action by authorities would help contain the spread of malaria and safeguard public health in the nation’s capital.
A medical practitioner in the Territory, Dr. Caleb Adegoroye explained that stagnant water creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and warned that failure to address the environmental factors could worsen public health risks, especially among children and the elderly.
By Georgina Humphrey
