The Osun State Government has concluded plans to distribute 2,897,443 insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to households across the state as part of renewed efforts to reduce the burden of malaria.
The mass distribution campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Society for Family Health (SFH), and other malaria intervention partners, with funding support from the Global Fund Malaria initiative.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday, the campaign’s Logistics Advisor, Simeon Ibvori, disclosed that the new mosquito nets are intended to replace those distributed during the previous campaign in 2023.
According to him, the insecticide-treated nets are currently being moved from the state warehouse to local government distribution stores before being transported to designated distribution hubs across Osun.
Ibvori explained that the campaign would focus particularly on rural communities and wards where malaria prevalence remains high.
“A total of 2,897,443 insecticide-treated nets will be distributed to the people of Osun State. The objective of the mass campaign is to ensure that there is one mosquito net for every two persons in a household,” he said.
He noted that the exercise is conducted every three years to replace worn-out nets and sustain malaria prevention efforts.
“We do this every three years, and this campaign is specifically to replace the nets distributed in 2023. After collecting the nets, residents should air them under shade for 24 hours before hanging and using them,” Ibvori advised.
He urged residents to take advantage of the free distribution exercise and ensure the nets are used for their intended purpose.
“I want to appeal to the good people of Osun State to come out and collect the nets once distribution begins. The nets are free and meant to protect people from malaria. They are not for sale,” he said.
Ibvori also called on residents to cooperate with health workers involved in the exercise, noting that they had been adequately trained and equipped with the necessary information to ensure a smooth distribution process.
“Residents should respect the health workers and allow them to carry out their duties effectively. They have received the necessary training for the campaign,” he added.
The latest campaign follows the distribution of approximately 3.68 million mosquito nets across Osun State in 2023.
Earlier, the Osun State Manager of the Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Olufemi Oroge, disclosed details of the campaign during a one-day orientation programme for selected media practitioners organised by the Society for Family Health in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health.
Health authorities say the campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to increase access to preventive measures and reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths across the state.
