Katsina Govt., FG flag-off campaign against Malaria

The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health has flagged-off a campaign against the spread of malaria infection in the state.

The campaign was flagged-off on Tuesday in Mashi Local Government Area of the state, with the distribution of Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) drugs for eligible children.

Our correspondents reports that during the campaign, Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) were also distributed to residents in the area.

Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Adamu-Funtua, said the SMC drugs were meant for prevention of malaria infection in children between the ages of 3-59 months.

Adamu-Funtua said the drugs would reduce morbidity and mortality associated with malaria in the state.

According to him, the 2025 integrated ITN/SMC campaign will be implemented during the 1st cycle of the SMC in the month of July-August in the state.

The commissioner added that the remaining SMC cycles would be implemented in the months of August, September, and October, being the peak period of rainfall.

“For a successful implementation of the campaign, Global Funds have delivered 4,823,081 ITNs to the state for onward distribution to the 34 local government areas in the state.

“It has also delivered nine million doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine/amodiaquine (SPAQ) drug combination, which will be administered to more than 2.2 million eligible children,” he said.

Adamu-Funtua also said that for the successful implementation of the campaign, all personnel had been assigned communities to cover in the 361 wards in the state.

He added that commodities and other supplies had also been delivered to all the health facilities that would implement the campaign.

The commissioner commended all stakeholders for their commitment towards the fight against malaria in Katsina State.

He said Gov. Dikko Radda was committed to providing quality healthcare, and protecting lives and properties.

Earlier, the Mashi Council Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Kalla, commended the state government for choosing the local government to launch the campaign.

Kalla assured of unbiased distribution of the drugs and the mosquito nets to the beneficiaries.

Also, the District Head of Mashi, Iyan Katsina, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, commended the government and other stakeholders on their efforts towards addressing malaria infection in the state.

Ibrahim called on the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items to encourage more support from the government and other partners.