FCT Distributes 4.9m Mosquito Nets To Fight Malaria

The FCT Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing malaria infections through a massive distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. A total of 4.9 million nets are being distributed to households across the six Area Councils. This initiative aims to protect residents, particularly children under five and pregnant women, from the deadly disease. The distribution is part of a larger campaign valued at over $18 million.

The Mandate Secretary, Health and Services Environmental Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, assured residents of the administration's commitment to reducing malaria infections. At the inauguration of the FCT Malaria Net Ambassador in Abuja, Dr Fasawe stressed the importance of household protection in the fight against malaria. She urged residents to collect the free nets, hang them properly, and use them consistently.

The distribution of mosquito nets will cover 64 wards through 1,580 distribution points, reaching about 1.4 million households. The West and Central Africa Programmes Director of Malaria Consortium, Dr Kolawole Maxwell, explained that the campaign includes over $16 million for the procurement of nets, while the remaining funds will support distribution and other logistics.

The initiative aims to protect families against malaria and reduce healthcare expenses, improve productivity, and minimize school and work absenteeism. Dr Maxwell emphasized that the campaign is a significant step towards reducing malaria infections in the FCT. The distribution of mosquito nets is a critical component of the administration's efforts to combat the disease.

HRH Awwal Mohammed Ijakoro, the newly inaugurated FCT Malaria Net Ambassador, has pledged to mobilize traditional and community leaders across the six Area Councils to promote the proper use of the nets. The traditional ruler, who hails from Bwari Area Council, will take the malaria prevention message to women and youth groups, religious leaders, and market associations.

The FCT Malaria Net Ambassador will ensure that his household serves as an example in the use of mosquito nets. He urged residents not to sell or misuse the free mosquito nets but to use them for their intended purpose. Community mobilization is critical to achieving the campaign's objectives, and the ambassador is expected to play a significant role in this effort.

The distribution of mosquito nets is a collaborative effort between the FCT Administration and the Malaria Consortium. The campaign is a significant step towards reducing malaria infections in the FCT, and the administration is committed to ensuring its success. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of residents in the FCT.

Key points

• The FCT Administration has distributed 4.9 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to households across six Area Councils to reduce malaria infections.