BAUCHI LAUNCHES DISTRIBUTION OF 4.8 MILLION INSECTICIDE-TREATED NETS
The Bauchi State Government has launched the distribution of 4.8 million insecticide-treated nets to households across the state as part of efforts to reduce malaria cases.
The nets, valued at more than ₦23 billion, were launched at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed at the event, Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau urged residents to use the nets properly and maintain clean surroundings to support malaria prevention.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria, Dr Adamu Sambo Sa’id, said the governor had approved ₦230 million to support the smooth distribution of the nets.
Sambo said malaria prevalence in the state had dropped from more than 34 per cent in recent years to 17.8 per cent, according to the latest National Health and Demographic Survey.
A representative of Global Health Supply Chain, Jury Baƙo, said the state had provided more than ₦200 million in support for the exercise, which has created jobs for about 17,900 people involved in the distribution.
The National Malaria Elimination Programme also pledged its support for the campaign, while the Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu, urged residents to monitor the exercise and report any attempt to divert the nets.
The state government said the campaign is aimed at ensuring that households across Bauchi receive and properly use the nets to help prevent malaria.