Kebbi State is intensifying efforts to reduce malaria prevalence with the planned distribution of 3.15 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets across the state.
The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, made this known on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi during her investiture as the state’s Net Ambassador, alongside the wives of local government chairmen who were inaugurated as Net Advocates.
She urged residents to make proper use of the mosquito nets, stressing that the free items provided by the government and development partners would only achieve the desired impact if properly utilised.
Idris expressed concern over the persistent threat posed by malaria and called for collective action to eliminate the disease in the state.
“We must all play our part to ensure a malaria-free Kebbi. These nets are meant to protect our families, especially children and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Samaila Yakubu, said the distribution of the nets would begin on April 11 across the state.
Yakubu said no fewer than 3.15 million nets would be distributed, describing the exercise as a major intervention aimed at reducing malaria prevalence.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris and his wife for their sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery and combating malaria in the state.
“No single mosquito net will be left unaccounted for. The ministry will ensure that all nets are distributed to targeted beneficiaries and used for the intended purpose,” the commissioner said.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Alhaji Usman Magaji, said the campaign was being supported by UNICEF to strengthen malaria prevention efforts in the state.
He disclosed that a total of 3,181,600 ITNs had been procured for household distribution through the support of the USAID Global Health Supply Chain–Procurement and Supply Management project.
According to him, about 12,600 personnel, including field distributors, supervisors, health workers and community mobilisers, will be engaged to ensure effective implementation of the campaign.
Magaji added that the exercise, with an estimated operational cost of N1.58bn, would cover logistics, training, transportation and other essential activities.
He noted that the intervention was expected to significantly improve access to ITNs, promote proper usage and ultimately reduce malaria morbidity and mortality in the state.
