PECAN Celebrates World Mosquito Day 2022 in Grand Style

Lagos, Nigeria — August 20, 2022 — The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) celebrated World Mosquito Day 2022 with a vibrant, carnival-like event that brought together members, partners, and stakeholders. The festivities commenced with a motorcade from the PECAN National Secretariat, NUT Pavilion, NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, leading to the Canal Area of Owoseni Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos.

World Mosquito Day is observed globally on August 20th to commemorate the groundbreaking discovery by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross, who identified the female Anopheles mosquito as the vector for malaria. In recognition of this significant achievement, PECAN and its partners—Rotary Club of Gbagada, Rotaract Club of Gbagada, and other stakeholders—conducted parallel celebrations in Abuja with the theme “No Mosquito, No Malaria.”

Event Highlights:

• Sensitization and Advocacy: The day featured a series of programs including radio station sensitizations, Larval Source Management, Integrated Vector Management, and house-to-house advocacy. PECAN also introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to enhance community engagement.
• Community Engagement: To ensure the event was memorable, a sound system with a seasoned DJ added a festive atmosphere. Youthful Rotaract Club members, alongside spraying teams from PECAN member companies, danced to various music rhythms, creating awareness with slogans such as “No Mosquito, No Malaria” and “Don’t Litter Our Environment.”
• Traffic and Security: The Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) provided traffic control throughout the event, while the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and State Police Command ensured security. Canals were cleared of debris, streets were cleaned, and solid waste was collected and evacuated by a truck donated by a PECAN member.
• Environmental and Health Initiatives: Canals and the surrounding environment were treated against mosquitoes and mosquito larvae. PECAN members educated the community on maintaining a hygienic environment to prevent pest problems, and distributed mosquito control products such as mosquito nets and Fumisect Zero mosquito insecticides to mothers, fathers, and pregnant women.

Notable Attendees:

The event was graced by representatives from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos State Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Health Officer Department of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, CDA Executives, members of the press, and other stakeholders.

The event concluded with interviews by the press and expressions of appreciation from the CDA Chairman, marking a successful World Mosquito Day 2022 celebration. Everyone left the venue fulfilled, reflecting the collaborative efforts and commitment of PECAN and its partners to combat malaria and promote public health.