Osun begins distribution of 2.8 million mosquito nets to fight malaria

A total of 2,897,443 Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets will be distributed to households across Osun as part of efforts to tackle malaria in the state. The mass campaign led by the Osun State Government is being executed in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, Society for Family Health, and other malaria partners, with funding support from the Global Fund Malaria. Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Logistics Advisor for the campaign, Simeon Ibvori, said the new nets would be distributed to replace those distributed in 2023. Ibvori, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday, said the Insecticide-Treated Nets are currently being transported to distribution hubs after being moved from the state warehouse to local government distribution stores across the state. He added that the ITN distribution will target, especially, rural wards where the risk of malaria remains very high. “A total of 2,897,443 ITNs will be distributed to the people of Osun State. The objective of the ITN mass campaign is to ensure that for every 2 people, there is one bed net to sleep under. “We do this every three years, and this campaign is to replace the nets we gave out in 2023. After collecting the nets, residents must air them under a shade for 24 hours before hanging and sleeping inside,” Ibvori noted. • No doctor should earn below N1m monthly — OOUTH ARD • Foreign aid cuts put HIV, TB, malaria gains at risk, Ex-minister warns • Adeleke dismisses rumoured bandits’ invasion as Osun schools shut in panic He urged the residents to go out and collect the nets once the distribution started, adding that the nets are to prevent them from contracting malaria. “I want to appeal to the good people of Osun State to go out once the distribution has started to collect their net. The idea is to replace the new nets with the old ones. The nets are meant to be used and not for sale. It is free of charge. “The residents should also respect the health workers during the distribution and allow them to do their job. They have been trained and are fully equipped with the right information,” Ibvori added. In 2023, about 3.68 million insecticide-treated nets were distributed to households across Osun State. Osun State Manager, Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr Olufemi Oroge, made the disclosure during a 1-day campaign orientation meeting with selected media practitioners, organised by the Society for Family Health in conjunction with the Osun Ministry of Health. Dr Oroge further disclosed that since the commencement of the malaria elimination program years ago, over 200 million nets have been distributed, adding that the lifespan of the insecticide-treated nets is between one and four years.