By Ibrahim Bello
Birnin Kebbi – The Kebbi State Government says it has concluded arrangements to distribute 2.8 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to households in the state.
The nets would be distributed in collaboration with the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI-US).
The Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim stated this at a media engagement forum in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He said the state government in partnership with the PMI-US had procured 2.8 million treated nets for distribution to deserving households.
“The government is resolute at expanding investment opportunities in other malaria interventions and innovative programmes such as indoor residual spray, vector control and surveillance measures.
“While strengthening drug-based malaria preventive and treatment mechanisms,” he said.
Ibrahim said the state government would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to review mechanisms towards reducing the disease burden.
He said the last National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) indicated that malaria prevalence dropped from 64 per cent in 2015 to 52.2 per cent in 2018 in the state.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that another survey was in the offing towards 2023, and attributed the feat achieved in the fight against the disease to the visionary leadership of Gov. Atiku Bagudu, and support of the stakeholders.
“Kebbi government launched ‘Operation Stop Malaria’ amongst other laudable interventions to reverse the trend of malaria and reduce the negative impact of the disease in the state,” he said.
Earlier, Alhaji Yusuf Sani-Kamba, Chairman, Directors’ Forum Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), said that over 12,000 personnel would be deployed for the distribution exercise in 225 wards across 21 local government areas of the state.
According to him, household mobilisation and registration will hold from Oct. 1 to Oct. 9, while distribution exercise would run between Oct. 21 and Oct. 29.
He, therefore, advised the people to spread the nets under shade before use.
Also, Mr Sami Olaniru, State Coordinator, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, said that USAID was playing prominent role towards ensuring total eradication of the disease.
He said the media engagement was designed to expose practitioners to the objectives of the campaign and encourage use of ITNs at the grassroots.
“We want to re-orientate journalists on malaria prevention and control with special emphasis on ITNs, and also motivate them to develop interest in reporting the campaign,” he said.
He lauded the state government and other partners for their contributions towards combating malaria.(NAN)
