9mobile boosts fight against Malaria with distribution of treated nets

9mobile has further affirmed its commitment to malaria eradication in Nigeria with the distribution of free, long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in three communities in Lagos, in commemoration of the 2018 World Malaria Day.

World Malaria Day is observed worldwide on April 25 and it recognises global efforts to control the deadly malaria disease which 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of contracting.

Malaria remains the number one killer disease in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria, and the passion to reduce this burden was the motivation for 9mobile to implement an extended distribution of free insecticide treated mosquito nets from April 25 to April 28, 2018.

In line with the theme for the commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, which is, ‘Ready to beat malaria’, 9mobile took Fight Malaria initiative to some Lagos communities including Lafiaji, Ajah and Lekki where residents received free insecticide treated mosquito nets; thereby empowering them to stay free from frequent illness, hospitalization, and even loss of life, resulting from malaria caused by mosquito bites.

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Speaking at the presentation of the nets at Ikota, Acting Director, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Mr Oluseyi Osunsedo, said sleeping under insecticide treated nets is one of the most cost-effective malaria prevention strategies, and the free nets provided by the telco will ensure more families are protected from the deadly disease.

“As we say at 9mobile, ‘we are here for you, we are here for 9ja’; and we live this ethos by constantly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria. What we are doing in these communities, epitomises that commitment. This is not just about our customers, it’s about the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians. As a caring brand, we are passionate about the people and we will continue to seize every opportunity to appreciate the love and support we have been receiving from teeming Nigerians over the past nine years.”

Residents of the communities who were visibly elated by the gesture, commended 9mobile for the initiative while stating that malaria scourge was a major problem in the communities.

In the last 10 months, 9mobile, living up to its billing as the caring network, has distributed thousands of insecticide-treated nets to communities in 13 states of the federation including Ogun, Sokoto, Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara, Ondo, Ekiti and the FCT.