As the free Insecticide-Treated Nets distribution campaign concludes in Gombe State, several beneficiaries have expressed their readiness to commence utilising the nets to combat malaria.
This initiative, which targets vulnerable communities, has seen a wide range of reactions, in the Local Government Areas of Kaltungo, Billiri, Balanga, and Shongom.
In Kaltungo LGA, Mary Ibrahim, a resident of Kalargu, confirmed that after presenting her net card, she was issued two ITNs.
Following the instructions given during the collection process, she promptly hung the nets in the shade for two days, as advised, to allow any potential chemicals to evaporate before use.
Similarly, Garba Jibrin from Lawushi Daji, and Flovia Musa, residing near Billiri Stadium, acknowledged receiving their nets at their respective collection points.
Garba mentioned that although he had hung his net for two days, he had yet to start using it.
He recalled that beneficiaries were educated on the proper use of the ITNs to ensure maximum effectiveness in preventing malaria.
Yila Jonah, a resident of Billiri, also shared his experience, confirming that he had received two nets.
He followed the instructions by hanging them under the shade and planned to replace his old net with the new one.
Our correspondent also interviewed Maryam Shettima, a resident of Boh, who confirmed that she had received her ITN and followed the instructions by hanging it in the shade for two days. Maryam expressed satisfaction with the net, stating that she now sleeps under it every night and is no longer disturbed by mosquitoes.
She reported experiencing no side effects and mentioned that since she started using the net, she has not contracted malaria.
In separate interviews with the Social Mobilisation Officers of Billiri and Kaltungo LGAs, Ali Ahmed Tangal and Tanko Bala, they expressed their satisfaction on how the distribution process unfolded.
However, they acknowledged a few challenges that arose during the campaign.
One of the notable issues was the exclusion of some residents from affluent areas. These residents were not issued net cards, based on the assumption that they had the financial capacity to purchase ITNs independently.
While this decision aimed to prioritise vulnerable groups, it left some residents disappointed. Despite this, both Tangal and Bala praised the teamwork and coordination among the distribution teams, which ensured the overall success of the campaign.
In Balanga LGA, the distribution process encountered some disruptions when a group of youths hijacked the ITNs during the initial stages of the campaign.
According to Malam Idris Nuhu Ahmed, the Social Mobilisation Officer for the area, this incident delayed the distribution process and caused temporary confusion.
However, with the swift intervention of security personnel and traditional leaders, the stolen nets were successfully retrieved, and order was restored.
Malam Ahmed praised the collaborative efforts of the council chairman, Salisu Ibrahim, and traditional leaders, particularly Bala Waja, Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed, for playing key roles in retrieving the stolen nets and ensuring the continuation of the campaign.
Despite the setback, Malam Ahmed confirmed that coverage in certain parts of Balanga LGA had reached an impressive 94 per cent, and he was optimistic about the overall success of the initiative.
He also highlighted a cultural shift in the area, explaining that in the past, people often repurposed ITNs for non-health-related activities, such as fishing or tying Guinea corn.
However, with increased awareness through sensitisation campaigns, residents now better understand the importance of using the nets as a preventive measure against malaria. This shift is particularly important in a region where malaria remains a major public health concern.
In Shongom LGA, the distribution campaign was similarly successful. According to the Social Mobilisation Officer for Shongom, Edward Bako, a few residents missed out on receiving net cards. Bako explained that although there are leftover nets, these cannot be issued without the accompanying cards, which has caused some frustration.
Step forward in malaria prevention
The ITN distribution campaign forms a crucial part of the broader effort to protect residents, particularly vulnerable groups, from malaria.
The disease remains a significant public health issue in the region, with thousands of cases reported each year, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations increase.
The success of the campaign, despite a few logistical challenges, underscores the importance of community collaboration and awareness-raising efforts.
As the residents of Gombe State begin to utilise their ITNs, the hope is that this initiative will contribute to a significant reduction in malaria cases, improving public health outcomes across the region.
With ongoing education on the correct use of the nets and the continuous distribution of health resources, communities are better equipped to combat the scourge of malaria.
