Ondo, FG to Distribute 3.6m Mosquito Nets in Fresh Drive Against Malaria

In a renewed push to combat malaria, Ondo State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, will distribute over 3.6 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to households across the state.

The initiative, executed in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Malaria Consortium, was unveiled on Thursday in Akure by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, during a media orientation. The distribution campaign is scheduled to run from September 8 to 17.

Ajaka emphasised the life-saving impact of ITNs, noting that studies show they reduce malaria incidence by 50 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa, which bears more than 90 per cent of the global malaria burden. He urged media organisations to intensify awareness campaigns, stressing that “sleeping inside an ITN remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria.”

According to him, trained officials in uniforms bearing the malaria logo will register households and distribute the nets. Residents were advised to air the nets under shade for 24 hours before use and ensure proper tucking over sleeping areas.

The commissioner also raised alarm over the circulation of fake anti-malaria drugs, warning that some no longer cure the disease. He disclosed that the state had procured scanning machines to help detect counterfeit drugs in pharmacies and patent medicine shops. “We must go after those involved in the sale of fake drugs,” he stated.

Also speaking, the State Malaria Programme Officer, Dr. Waheed Afolayan, described malaria as one of Nigeria’s biggest public health challenges. He revealed that the country accounts for 25 per cent of global malaria cases and 30 per cent of malaria-related deaths.

“Statistics show that about 60 per cent of patients in health facilities are being treated for malaria. Thirty per cent of deaths among children under five and 10 per cent of maternal deaths are linked to malaria complications,” Afolayan explained.