Obiano intensifies fight against malaria, distributes 3million insecticide-treated nets

As part of the Roll Back Malaria pro­gramme, the gov­ernor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday flagged off the dis­tribution of 3.1 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets replacement campaign, which will cover the entire state.

Held at the St. Joseph Cath­olic Church, Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area, the ceremony, which also had in attendance the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Ebele Obiano, attracted stake­holders in the health sector, top government officials, men, women and children from the area.

Speaking at the event, Obiano, who performed the official flag-off, stated that the state had set aside huge re­sources to ensure that all citi­zens of the state benefit from the ongoing exercise.

“This administration is leaving no stone unturned in our effort to eliminate the bur­den of malaria across the state, as well as eradicate other childhood killer diseases such as polio,” the governor hinted.

While urging Anambra peo­ple to support the government in the campaign, by ensuring a clean environment, Governor Obiano called for an effective distribution of the nets to all parts of the state, particularly rural areas, to ensure that all households were covered.

He also enjoined beneficia­ries to make good use of the nets, as specified, so as to achieve expected result.

In his remark, the state Com­missioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, noted that the nets had, over the years, proved to be a cost-effective means of controlling malaria by reducing the physical contact between mosquitoes and humans.

“Malaria accounts for an estimated 25 per cent of deaths yearly in under-five years, 30 per cent of childhood deaths and over 95 per cent of Ndi Anam­bra were at risk of the malaria infection. We hereby call on all net holders to go to the distribu­tion points in their wards for re­placement,” Akabuike said.

In his address, the Chairman of Awka North Local Gover­nement Area, Chief Cosmas Okoye, called on beneficiaries to put the nets to good use, as it has proved highly effective in fighting malaria.

“I also want to use this op­portunity to urge people of this local government to give Gov­ernor Obiano’s administration total support to achieve its vi­sion,” he pleaded.

The first mass distribution of long lasting insecticide-treated nets in Anambra State took place in 2009, during which over 1.6 million nets were dis­tributed. The current distribu­tion is to replace the old nets, which had a life span of four years, as well as reach out to more households. – The Sun.