Oyo Govt. Flags Off Mass Distribution Of 5.6 Million Insecticide Treated Net
Makinde's Wife Decorated As Net Campaign Ambassador
Wife of the Oyo state governor, Chief Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has appealed to expectant women, mothers and children to ensure they sleep under Insecticide Treated Nets consistently to avoid preventable deaths caused by malaria.
She made the appeal at the official flag off ceremony of the 2025 mass distribution of Insecticide Treated Net to residents of Oyo state.
Chief Mrs Makinde who was decorated at the event as the Oyo state campaign net ambassador said the appeal became imperative as malaria remains one of the greatest public health challenges in Nigeria.
She said malaria accounts for nearly one in four childhood deaths and remains a leading cause of outpatient visits.
She said though remarkable progress has been made in Oyo state, many families are still being torn apart by malaria infections that are preventable.
Earlier, Oyo state commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi reiterated that the distribution will begin from 1st to 7th of August, 2025, noting that the nets are lightweight with breathable mesh and should be used every night.
She said “I need to stress that these ITNs are essential public health tools that save lives and protect vulnerable households. They should be used every night, all year round. They are lightweight, breathable mesh that allows air to pass through.
“They do not cause heat as some people belief, any discomfort is usually due to improper usage or poor ventilation in the sleeping area, which proper net hanging and room ventilation will make a big difference.
Reacting, the Nigeria’s Country Director, USAID Global Health Supply Chain, GHSC- PSM, project, Mr Jef Iman said the last ITN distribution campaign in Oyo State, held in 2021, successfully delivered over 4.7 million nets to households across the state while the United States Government has ensured the timely delivery of over 5.6 million bed nets for the 2025 campaign, valued at 21 million dollars.
Mr Iman said the 2025 campaign aims to reach over 2 million households across the state, providing them with essential protection against malaria.
“These nets serve as shields that can prevent malaria and save lives, especially those of our young children.
Highlights of the programme was a symbolic presentation of an insecticide treated net to expectant mothers and a practical example of how to use the net effectively.
Dignitaries at event were development partners, WHO, NMP, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Corona Management System, Malaria Consortium, local government chairmen, religious, community and traditional leaders, health workers and secondary school students.
