By Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government will distribute 3.7 million long lasting insecticide mosquito treated nets in order to eradicate malaria scourge in the 25 local government areas of the state.
Chief Patrick Ukah, the State Commissioner for information confirmed this to news men in Asaba on Tuesday.
According to him, although there were several methods of combating malaria, the use of treated mosquito nets had been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most effective and efficient measure to tackle the scourge.
Stressing that the campaign would be between June 8 and 16 2019, the Commissioner said unlike the previous ones, the use of cash and Asset Technology (CAT) technology would be deployed to ensure transparency and accountability.
He added that over 17,000 personnel had been trained and deployed to issue net-cards to residents, which would be used to access the mosquito nets.
In his lecture on the objectives and expectations of the campaign, Dr Onojeta Ejiro explained that the nets had been treated and could last for three years if handled under the appropriate conditions.
He added that the nets should not only be acquired but also used as prescribed to avoid mosquito bites.
Ejiro warned that pregnant women and children were more vulnerable to malaria and should take measures to protect themselves by sleeping under treated nets.
He lamented that 70 percent of global deaths caused by malaria occur in Africa of which Nigeria and three other countries account for a large chunk.
Also, Demand Creation Officer, Mrs Hope Obokoh said “the use of long lasting insecticide nets is an effective tool for malaria control.”
She added that when properly implemented, it would contribute to the overall reduction of malaria prevalence in the country “as each household is entitled to a maximum of four mosquito nets.
Obokoh added that the nets should be spread for 24 hours under shade before use and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
