Ondo government backs insecticide-treated net distribution to curb malaria

…urges citizens to embrace initiative for healthier living

The Ondo State Government has endorsed the forthcoming distribution of 3.6 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state, urging citizens to embrace the initiative as part of efforts to curb malaria and safeguard public health.

The campaign, scheduled to run from September 8 to 17, 2025, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and Malaria Consortium, will be formally flagged off by Governor Aiyedatiwa. It is aimed at reducing the state’s malaria prevalence rate, currently estimated at 27 percent.

During an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the team lead, Mrs Olubunmi Ojelade, explained that trained personnel in malaria-branded uniforms would go house-to-house to register residents and distribute the nets.

She stressed that sleeping under ITNs remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria, reducing incidence by up to 50 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ojelade further noted that malaria continues to pose a major public health burden in Nigeria, with the country accounting for 25 percent of global cases and 30 percent of related deaths.

She added that children under five and pregnant women are most vulnerable, while about 60 percent of patients in health facilities are treated for malaria.

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Responding, Ajanaku assured the delegation of the Ministry’s robust media support, including jingles, reports, and features on state-owned platforms such as its flagship magazine programme, Ondo Path to Progress.

He also advised recipients to adopt proper usage practices, urging them to air the nets in the shade for 24 hours before hanging and to ensure consistent use every night.

The Commissioner emphasised that the campaign would be widely publicised to ensure households in all 18 local government areas of the state are reached.

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