Nigerian singer in Kenya to campaign against killer disease

By Standard Reporter

Nigerian musician Omawumi†Megbele is in Kenya on mission to rally mothers across Africa to join her in the fighting killer disease malaria.

Omawumi who is the Malaria Cause Ambassador for Mortein Doom, decried how Malaria continues to claim nearly one million children under the age of 5 in Africa every year while the disease can be prevented or treated with affordable medicine.

"Although malaria related deaths in Africa have fallen by an estimated 33 percent since the year 2000, we have a long way to go before we can proudly announce that we have won the fight against malaria", said the mother of one at a media briefing in Nairobi.

She said that mothers who are expectant and children under the age of five remain the most vulnerable group and communication to encourage all mothers to take preventive measures must be scaled up, for African countries to meet the Millennium Development Goals on Malaria.

The If You Ask Me and Bottom Belle hit maker explained, "the proper usage of the Insecticide Treated mosquito Nets, indoor residual spraying, everyday use of Mortein Doom insecticide and taking proactive vector control measures by keeping your environment clean and free of stagnant water, are among the measures that mothers need to start implementing now, to prevent more malaria deaths".

Omawumi‘s visit to the country is part of activities to mark the World Malaria Day, which is observed every April 25.

She will participate in the launch of a theme song featuring mothers from Africa and participate in a consumer education exercise at the Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi.

Speaking during the media briefing, Reckitt Benckiser’s Country Manager Richard Pereira said they are proud to have Omawumi as the Cause Ambassador against malaria this year.

"Through our flagship brand Mortein Doom, we have been involved in many activities aimed at helping lower the deaths attributed to malaria. With Omawuni’s appointment as our Cause Ambassador this year, I am sure we will register a significant reduction in malaria infections going forward", she explained.

Omawumi started her career in music in 2007 when she was declared the 1st Runner up In West African Idols 2007. She†was also voted the†Best Female Vocal Performer and Next Rated Artiste at 2009 Hip Hop World Awards. Her hit singles, In The Mood and If You Ask Me rate as some of Nigeria’s evergreen songs.