Distribution of ITNs begins in five Niger LGAs
The distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) has commenced across designated distribution points in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, as part of the ongoing Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and ITN campaign jointly implemented by Niger state government and development partners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was being carried by Niger state government supported by Global Fund, Catholic Relief Services, Malaria Consortium and Society for Family Health.
The exercise is taking place simultaneously in Bosso, Lapai, Rijau, Mokwa and Paikoro LGAs.
In Bosso Local Government Area, Mrs Ruth Ifejika, Coordinator for the SMC and ITN campaign, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at one of the distribution points that 1,050 ITNs were allocated to the local government.
She said distribution officers had been stationed across all designated points to ensure that households receive their nets after verification.
“We have adequate manpower and logistics support to ensure that the nets reach every eligible beneficiary, particularly pregnant women and children under five,” she said.
In Lapai Local Government Area, Miss Queency Ajiero, the Coordinator, said 2,047 bales of ITNs were allocated to the area.
She said distribution teams were positioned at ward centres and community health posts to ensure seamless access by residents.
“Community mobilisation through town announcers and local leaders is ongoing to encourage residents to collect and use the nets properly,” Ajiero added.
Also in Rijau Local Government Area, Mr Simon Zimro, Coordinator for the SMC and ITN campaign, said 3,339 bales of ITNs were received and deployed to all wards for equitable distribution.
He said household data collected during mobilisation guided the allocation process to ensure transparency and accountability.
In Mokwa Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Baakpe, the Coordinator, told NAN that 5,761 bales of ITNs were allocated to the area.
He said the distribution points were spread across the wards to enable easy access, adding that residents turned out in large numbers to collect their nets.
“Health educators are also on ground at each distribution point to demonstrate how to hang and use the nets properly,” he said.
In Paikoro Local Government Area, Mrs Marianne Abioyo, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign, said 2,010 bales of ITNs were allocated to the local government.
She said the distribution points were strategically located in schools and primary health care centres to serve all communities effectively.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Hadiza Yusuf, who spoke during the exercise, commended the state government and partners for the intervention, describing it as a vital step in reducing malaria cases in rural communities.
He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the nets and ensure they are maintained to achieve the desired results.
The ITN and SMC campaign forms part of the state’s comprehensive malaria elimination strategy, aimed at achieving zero malaria deaths through preventive interventions and community engagement.(NAN)
