Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State is set to launch the distribution of 3.6 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state on Monday, as part of intensified efforts to curb malaria.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Ondo State Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and Malaria Consortium, will run until September 17.
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During a media orientation in Akure, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, highlighted the prevalence of malaria in the state, which currently stands at 27 percent.
He explained that trained personnel, dressed in malaria-branded uniforms, will visit households to register beneficiaries and distribute the nets.
Dr. Ajaka said, “Sleeping inside an ITN is one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria. Studies show that ITN use reduces malaria incidence by 50 percent in sub-Saharan Africa, which bears more than 90 percent of global cases.”
He advised residents to air the new nets for 24 hours in the shade before hanging them and to use them properly every night throughout the year.
He also disclosed that the government would intensify the fight against fake drugs, with health officials visiting pharmacies and patent medicine shops to verify drug authenticity using scanning machines.
Earlier, State Malaria Programme Officer, Dr. Waheed Afolayan, emphasized the significant national burden of malaria.
“Government at all levels, alongside households, spends billions of naira annually on prevention and treatment.
“Malaria must be tackled squarely if we are to reduce the burden on families and the economy,” he stressed, noting that children under five and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable.
“The launch of this campaign underscores Ondo State’s commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths and improving public health outcomes across the state.
