Gombe State has achieved 95.6 per cent coverage in its 2024 Integrated Insecticide-Treated Net distribution drive, as campaigns closed with success.
In an interview with Newsmen following a debriefing at the Agency, Dr Shuiabu Abdulrahman, Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, shared the positive outcome, stating that over two million nets were distributed across all 11 Local Government Areas, resulting in an impressive coverage rate of 95.6 per cent.
Abdulrahman acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign, particularly the inadequate supply of nets which fell short of ensuring complete household coverage. Despite this hurdle, the campaign was hailed as a triumph, reaching a 95 per cent coverage rate instead of the desired 100 per cent.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, donor partners, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and the media for their unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in the campaign’s success.
Mrs Mary Esema, Deputy Director and Head of the Integrated Vector Management Branch at the Federal Ministry of Health, praised the campaign for its extensive reach into numerous households. She stressed the importance of establishing a security advisory team early on to streamline coordination for future endeavours.
Aishatu Bukar, a representative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), disclosed plans to return the remaining nets to LGA stores for incorporation into the Antenatal Care (ANC) programme, with ongoing discussions regarding the integration process.
The ITN distribution in Gombe State marks a significant advancement in the state’s continuous commitment to combat malaria and enhance public health.
