Today, the State ministry of health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of health and Malaria Consortium — an international non-profit with focus on malaria eradication and management strategies — held the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of free Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in Anambra.
Malaria is the number one public health problem in Nigeria, responsible for about 30% of deaths in under-fives and 25% of deaths in infants and 11% maternal mortality. The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria is calculated using the cost of illness approach.
Shocking narratives around the usage of ITNs especially in our rural communities account for increased prevalence of the scourge in the area. Stories of how Insecticide Treated Nets are converted to farm implements amongst our rural population abound. In the urban centres, blocked drainages with the attendant stagnant waters account for the major source of malaria bearing mosquitos.
While we await the mainstreaming of the recent breakthrough in the malaria vaccine, we must pay close heed to the quick wins the proper use of ITNs afford us.
Finally, let me congratulate my amiable wife, Nonye Soludo, on her investiture at today’s event as the “Net Ambassador”. She took time to simulate how households can deploy the ITN. It was such a delight to watch, and I encourage all to join in this fight against Malaria.
CC. Soludo, CFR.
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