The Osun State Government has commenced preparations to distribute almost 2.9 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to households across the state as part of a major campaign aimed at reducing malaria infections.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Society for Family Health (SFH) and other health partners, with funding support from the Global Fund Malaria Project.
Speaking on the exercise, the campaign’s Logistics Advisor, Simeon Ibvori, revealed that a total of 2,897,443 mosquito nets will be distributed across Osun’s communities, particularly targeting rural areas where malaria remains a major health challenge.
According to him, the new batch of nets is intended to replace those distributed during the previous campaign in 2023. He explained that the goal is to ensure that every household has enough protection, with one mosquito net available for every two persons.
Ibvori disclosed that the nets are already being transported from state warehouses to local government distribution centres ahead of the statewide rollout.
He urged residents to take advantage of the free distribution exercise and warned against selling the nets, stressing that they are meant solely for preventing malaria and protecting families.
The health official also advised beneficiaries to air the nets under shade for at least 24 hours before using them, adding that trained health workers would be deployed across communities to ensure a smooth and effective distribution process.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Malaria Elimination Programme has reiterated the importance of mosquito net usage in reducing malaria-related illnesses and deaths.
State Malaria Programme Manager, Dr. Olufemi Oroge, noted that millions of insecticide-treated nets have been distributed across the state over the years as part of efforts to eliminate malaria. He added that the protective lifespan of the nets ranges from one to four years.
Health authorities believe the latest campaign will further strengthen malaria prevention efforts and help protect vulnerable groups, especially children and pregnant women, from the disease.
Source: PUNCH
