Expert harps on proper use of Insecticide to eliminate malaria
Chima Azubuike
A Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, says proper usage of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), would reduce malaria prevalence rate within the community.
Abdullahi stated this in an interview with Periscope Nigeria, shortly after a media parley with journalists on Universal Coverage Campaign, organized by the agency, Federal Ministry of Health, through National Malaria Elimination Programme with support from Global Fund.
According to the public health expert, the state has about 33 percent prevalence rate, adding that it is unacceptable but would be curtailed through the consistent and proper use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), among other measures.
Abdullahi said, “There is a need to use ITN’s correctly, it will further reduce the prevalence of malaria in the state. We are talking about getting Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs). There is need to use them correctly, by Airing under a shade it before use for 24 hours before sleeping inside as well as the need to properly hang it, no matter what you sleep on.
“At the moment we are talking about a prevalence of 33 percent in the state which is totally unacceptable. So the need to find ways to reduce malaria in Gombe State. The whole idea is to bring the battle to the community so that they can own the entire process so that it will get to the targeted homes.
Commenting on the involvement of the media in the distribution of 2.3 million ITNs, Abdullahi noted that the home delivery strategy is as a result of Covid-19 to reduce physical contact
He added, “We will be distributing for free about 2.3 million Insecticide Treated Nets in Gombe State and the cost of the nets runs into billions, The target of this parley with media practitioners, the whole idea is to find ways to amplify voices about the importance of using Insecticide Treated Nets. We feel one of the key strategic players is the media, they will carry the message down to the community so that people will be enlightened through sensitization.
“The campaign for the distribution will start in two weeks or so. We intend to go from door to door to distribute the net. This is due to the current realities on ground the Covid-19, in the past we used to have a distribution point where people come to pick.”
Abdullahi revealed, “We have about 2,000 people, close to about 3,000 personnel who are going to be on the field to do the distribution from house to house in the 11 LGA’s, supervisors, what we call the distribution house supervisors.”
Also speaking, State Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Saidu Malala assured that Gombe members would support the campaign.
“For giving us enlightenment through the presentations, especially the nature the nets are supposed to be hanged in our respective houses. We want to assure you that this campaign will receive the much needed attention towards getting the successes expected of it,” Malala said
