Osun begins distribution of 2.8 million mosquito nets to fight malaria

Osun State in Nigeria is launching a significant campaign to distribute 2,897,443 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, aiming to curb malaria transmission. This mass effort, spearheaded by the Osun State Government, involves key partners including the National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, and Society for Family Health, with financial backing from the Global Fund Malaria.

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A total of 2,897,443 ITNs will be distributed to the people of Osun State. The objective of the ITN mass campaign is to ensure that for every 2 people, there is one bed net to sleep under.

The distribution targets households across the state, with a particular focus on rural wards where malaria risk is highest. Logistics Advisor for the campaign, Simeon Ibvori, explained that these new nets will replace those distributed in 2023, following a three-year cycle for such replacements. The nets are being transported from the state warehouse to local government distribution points.

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We do this every three years, and this campaign is to replace the nets we gave out in 2023. After collecting the nets, residents must air them under a shade for 24 hours before hanging and sleeping inside.

Ibvori emphasized the campaign's goal: "The objective of the ITN mass campaign is to ensure that for every 2 people, there is one bed net to sleep under." He urged residents to collect their nets once distribution begins, stressing that the nets are free and intended for use, not for sale. He also advised residents to air the nets under shade for 24 hours before use to maximize their effectiveness.

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I want to appeal to the good people of Osun State to go out once the distribution has started to collect their net. The idea is to replace the new nets with the old ones. The nets are meant to be used and not for sale. It is free of charge.

Dr. Olufemi Oroge, Osun State Manager for the Malaria Elimination Programme, highlighted the program's scale, noting that over 200 million nets have been distributed nationally since the program's inception. The lifespan of these insecticide-treated nets typically ranges from one to four years. This initiative underscores a continued commitment to public health and malaria prevention within the state.

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The residents should also respect the health workers during the distribution and allow them to do their job. They have been trained and are fully equipped with the right information.