As part of efforts towards eliminating malaria, Ogun State government has flagged-off distribution of 3.1 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), targeting residents across the state.

Speaking during the official ceremony of the distribution in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said malaria accounts for a substantial percentage of infant mortality in Nigeria, adding that it was the collective responsibility of the government and other stakeholders to work assiduously to eradicate malaria in the country.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele, who doubles as the Net Ambassador for the ITNs campaign in 2024, assured that state government would continue to be proactive towards its prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, stating that the net distribution, which would start on Tuesday, November 19 and end Sunday, November 24, 2024 across the state, serves as one of the many ways the government would defeat the disease totally.

"This distribution of ITNs is a testament to our administration's commitment at ensuring that residents are provided with life-saving tools at no cost. Through the years, we have also continued to strengthen our health systems to support our fight against diseases of public health concern and cater for the healthcare needs of our people.

"This year, we will be distributing 3.1 million nets to households across the state. But it is not just about the nets being distributed. More importantly, it is about the usage. ITNs are proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent

 malaria. I urge all our people to use them consistently and correctly to protect our people", she said.

She appreciated the Global Fund for providing the nets and operational funds, as well as the Society for Family Health (SFH) and other implementing partners for their dedication and expertise in executing the campaign.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, while fielding questions from pressmen, said unlike when the nets were distributed in 2021, the campaign presently would target areas with a high prevalence of malaria, particularly rural communities.

Dr. Coker said the government would use the ITN campaign to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging residents to deposit their old, worn-out nets at the various distribution points, saying this would prevent them from being used in ways that could be harmful to the environment.

In their remarks, the Managing Director, SFH, Dr. Omokhudu Idogbo, the team lead of the ITN distribution for the organisation in the state, Mr. John Ocholi, called on opinion leaders, media and other stakeholders to encourage residents to adopt proper usage of the nets.

Two of the residents during the symbolic distribution of the nets, Mr. Ola Alaran and Ms. Karimot Ayoola, appreciated government and its partners for making the ITNs available, saying it would go a long way at protecting the lives of residents against malaria.