Malaria: Akeredolu flags off distribution of treated nets

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday in Akure flagged off the distribution of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) to curb malaria scourge in the state.

Akeredolu, represented by Mr Dare Aragbaiye, his Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, said that the nets were free, saying that its proper use would save-guide beneficiaries from malaria disease.

“We are determined to accelerate elimination of malaria in Nigeria in line with the Federal Government’s policy on health.

“We have not relented, but constantly distributing nets, especially to mothers and children,” he said.

Akeredolu said with support from the partners, the state was hopeful that in the nearest future, malaria would be eradicated.

He urged residents of the state to inculcate good healthy culture alongside the use of the nets.

“The efforts of our partners are highly commendable in protecting our people from the scourge. We particularly appreciate the Chief Executive Officer of Malaria Consortium, Mr Charles Nelson.

“We sought the collaboration of traditional rulers in the campaign for the proper use of the nets and urged them to see it as a culture.

“We equally engaged media houses in spreading the information,” the governor said.

Speaking, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, said the country had reached appreciable progress in malaria control efforts with a significant reduction in parasite prevalence in children less than five years from 42 per cent recorded in 2020 malaria indicator survey to 23 per cent in 2018.

Ehanire, represented by Mr Chuks Okoronkwo, Head of Malaria Campaign in the Ministry, said there were expectations of further drop when results of the 2021 malaria indicator survey would be released.

According to him, malaria remains a major public health problem and a barrier to social and economic development in the country.

He said that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with partners and state governments in winning the battle against the scourge.

Ehanire said ITN was one of the most cost-effective strategies for the control of malaria, if used consistently and correctly.

He said that Ondo State was one of the six states where mass replacement campaigns were being carried out, aimed at delivering over 19.5 million ITNs to beneficiaries.

According to him, the nets were intended to provide protection from mosquito bites to nearly 40 million Nigerians.

“The ITNs mass campaign in Ondo State is supported by Malaria Consortium through philanthropic funding.

“Today’s flag off ceremony signifies the highlight of a series of activities that will lead to the distribution of about three million nets to all communities in the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said.

Ehanire urged the traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the efforts and spread the ITNs message to communities for a sustainable net culture.

Also, Mrs Folukemi Aladenola, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, advised the residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene and as well adhere strictly to the use of the nets.

Aladenola said the state government had equipped hospitals across the 18 local government areas with modern instruments to increase quality healthcare delivery.

According to her, N50 million had been spent recently on healthcare facilities across the state.

Nelson urged the would-be beneficiaries to use the nets appropriately, and the private sector to support the elimination of malaria, adding that government could not do it alone.

Represented by Dr Kolawole Maxwell, Programme Director, Malaria Consortium West, and Central Africa, Nelson lauded the state government for the campaign.

He said the consortium was determined to reduce malaria drastically in three years.

Earlier, Dr Perpetual Uhomoibhi, the National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), said Nigeria had continued to witness appreciable progress in malaria control and elimination.

Uhomoibhi, represented by Mr Phillips Onyale, explained that the current approach in the distribution of the ITNs to beneficiaries was a door-to- door strategy as against the fixed-point distribution.

He said that the door-to-door distribution was more effective and efficient and would minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread.