Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially flagged off the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLIN) to prevent Malaria in the State.

Speaking at the event in Akure on Monday, he described the exercise as a continuation of his administration resolve to build a healthier State that is free from the scourge of diseases.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Governor stated that malaria remains one of the greatest health threats to the people, stating that it accounts for high rates of illness and death, especially among under five children and pregnant women.

The malaria prevalence rate in the State according to the Governor is 27 percent reiterating his commitment in beating the figure down to a single digit.

While noting that the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets will provide protection in homes of people, he stated that the nets can reduce malaria prevalence significantly when put into proper use.

He explained that his government has continued to improve the quality of life of citizens through developmental programmes and policies encapsulated in the “OUR EASE” agenda.

The Governor said that his administration has expanded access to primary healthcare through the revitalisation of over 100 health facilities across the State and approved the upgrading of secondary health facilities across the State. He added that his government has also strengthened maternal and child health care programmes through the innovative Abiyamo Scheme, ensuring that pregnant women and children receive free essential care.

He noted that the State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme has been expanded to now include the informal sector as well as special groups like the Sickle Cell Champions, thereby bringing financial protection to thousands of households.

According to him, the administration has also strengthened the State Emergency Medical Service with the acquisition of ambulances, commissioned a new Central Medical Store of pharma-grade standard for efficient storage and logistics of drugs and other health commodities, and supported malaria prevention and treatment programmes, including free testing and distribution of medicines in State Hospitals, among others.

He expressed appreciation to partners, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the Global Funds, the World Bank, the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria and Malaria Consortium for their unwavering support towards the vision while also lauding other stakeholders’ efforts.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka while noting that Malaria contributes to high mortality rate among the people, said that it is important that people put the nets into good use in order to drive the disease from the State.

In his remarks, representative of the National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Mr David Oyeleke stated that the distribution campaign in the State marks a vital step in the unwavering commitment of the government and its partners to safeguard every citizen of Nigeria, especially the most vulnerable against the devastating effects of malaria by promoting the ownership and consistent use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs).

He explained that since the launch of the first ITN mass campaign in 2009, Nigeria has remained at the forefront of malaria prevention with over 500 million ITNs distributed across the country.

He said that the flag-off of the ITN mass campaign shows the determination of Ondo State to embrace innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ITN distribution and utilization in the State.

In his goodwill message, Project Director, IMPACT Malaria Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Akingbesote congratulated the State Government and Malaria Consortium on the laudable initiative of preventing malaria through the use of insecticidal treated nets saying “This is not just investing in human capital but a way of strengthening social capital”

State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Habibu Yahaya while speaking noted that the distribution of the nets will help in the preventive components of Malaria.

GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF FREE INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS (ITNs) TO TACKLE MALARIA