A mosquito net mass distribution campaign is underway in Plateau State to tackle the high rate of malaria infections caused by mosquitoes. At least 2.9 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets are set to be provided across the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.
Dr. Olusola Adeoye, the Senior Programme Officer of Breakthrough Action Nigeria, announced this during a visit to the office of the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms.
Adeoye emphasised the importance of consistently using treated nets, citing World Health Organisation findings that they effectively prevent malaria.
“We’re here because of malaria. Malaria remains a significant challenge in the state. As of the last survey that was conducted in Nigeria, the prevalence of malaria in Plateau State was 19%, which means one out of every five cases is malaria.
“To address this issue, the World Health Organisation has shown without considerable doubt that when you use and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets consistently every night all year round, you will not get malaria,” she stated.
“Because of that,” Adeoye continued, “we have come through the sponsorship of our donors, the United States Government Resident Malaria Initiative supported by the UK-funded Against Malaria Foundation, to come and distribute nets, and we’re going to be ensuring that every household in Plateau State gets at least one net. At least the total number of nets that will be distributed to the citizens is 2.9 million,” she stated.
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