The Kwara State Government is embarking on a comprehensive initiative to distribute insecticide-treated nets to all households in the state, as part of a joint multi-stakeholder intervention plan to combat the spread of Malaria.
Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Commissioner for Health, announced this during an interactive engagement with trainees involved in various strategic health interventions in the state.
Dr. El-Imam emphasized the importance of using insecticide-treated nets as a key strategy to protect households from bites by anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit the parasites responsible for Malaria.
According to her, this distribution initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to improving public health, supported by the health-friendly leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In related developments, Mrs. Nimota Raji, the Programme Manager for the State’s Malaria Elimination Programme, expressed appreciation to partners who have provided training and technical guidance to participants.
She highlighted that partners would utilize the support received from adhoc staff engaged in the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program in Kwara Central and Kwara North Senatorial districts.
New additions will focus on five LGAs in Kwara South Senatorial districts, where the SMC program has not been conducted for the past three years.
The initiative is being led by the Society for Family Health, represented by Mr. John Ocholi. Ocholi stated that Kwara State would be the first in Nigeria to combine the distribution of malaria preventive drugs (SPAQ) for children aged 3 months to 5 years with concurrent insecticide-treated nets distribution to households.
The state will implement different strategies across its catchment areas, ensuring that the process reaches all target households effectively.
Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of advocacy and media engagement to inform the public about the unique approach in this year’s initiative. The program aims to secure the cooperation of the public and ensure its success in combating Malaria in Kwara State.