SFH, Niger Govt flag off distribution of ITNs, SMC in five LGAs
The Society for Family Health (SFH) in collaboration with the Niger State Government has flagged off the distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The flag-off took place on November 3, 2025 for the benefiting LGAs which are Bosso, Lapai, Rijau, Mokwa and Paikoro.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was being carried by Niger state Ministry for Secondary Health, supported by Global Fund, Catholic Relief Services, Malaria Consortium and Society for Family Health.
Speaking at the event on Monday, Alhaji Sai’du Zagi, the Ward Head of Kampala in Bosso Local Government Area, commended the state government and development partners for the initiative aimed at reducing malaria prevalence in rural communities.
He described the distribution as timely, saying that malaria has remained one of the major health challenges in the area, particularly during the rainy season.
Mrs Ruth Ifejika, Coordinator for the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and ITN campaign in Bosso Local Government Area, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 1,050 ITNs were allocated to the local government for distribution.
Similarly, Miss Queency Ajiero, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign in Lapai Local Government Area, said 2,047 bales of ITNs were allocated to the area to ensure wide household coverage.
In the same vein, Mr Simon Zimro, Coordinator for the SMC and ITN campaign in Rijau Local Government Area, said data collected after household mobilisation indicated that 3,339 bales of ITNs were allocated to the local government.
In Mokwa Local Government Area, Mr Solomon Baakpe, Coordinator for the campaign, said 5,761 bales of ITNs were allocated to the area, adding that community health workers had been trained to ensure effective distribution.
Also, in Paikoro Local Government Area, Mrs Marianne Abioyo, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign, said 2,010 bales of ITNs were allocated to the area to complement other malaria control interventions.
The coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the ITNs and SMC drugs reached every eligible household, especially children under five and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to malaria.
They appealed to residents to cooperate with the distribution teams and ensure proper use of the treated nets for maximum protection.
(NAN)
