FG to distribute N3.6m insecticide treated nets in Niger

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Federal government to commence no fewer than 3.2 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) distribution across the 25 local government areas of Niger state.
The Advocacy, Mobilization and Social Operation Officer in the Federal Ministry of Health National Malaria Program, Ada Olisa Ezechukwu disclosed this during a Media Orientation program for the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Niger state.
She said that the program will support the Niger state government on distributing LLIN to the people in order to reduce incidents of malaria cases in children and adults.
According to Ezechukwu, the long-lasting insecticidal nets have proven to be effective to prevent malaria adding that, “If families constantly use the nets correctly and consistently, there will no longer be episodes of malaria in the state and Nigeria.”
She said the help of the media is needed to enlighten the people to embrace the initiative and encourage them to come out for registration and collection of the nets when the distribution begins.
Ezechukwu further said that although 3.6 million need is being budgeted, they are willing to give more if the number of households surpasses the number of available nets.
“3.6 million nets have been budgeted for people in the state, however, it depends on the population. While we base our budget on the record of population given to us, we will provide for every household in this process” she stated.
The Niger state Malaria Programme Officer, Amina Zumro Edward explained that the distribution is done in a bid to eradicate the incessant cases of malaria in the state.