The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has announced that it is fully prepared to commence the distribution of 4.5 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state in a renewed effort to curb malaria transmission.
The disclosure was made by Dr Sule Danga, Programme Manager for Malaria Elimination at the Ministry, during an interview on Friday in Kaduna.
Dr Danga stated that the exercise, being conducted in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), forms part of the government’s broader campaign to eliminate malaria in the state.
He noted that distribution tokens and registration have already begun, while the actual net distribution is scheduled to take place from 30th June to 3rd July across all 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
Read Also: Nigerian Government Commissions Tinubu Specialist Hospital In Kaduna
“This is part of the government’s commitment to fight malaria in Kaduna State,” Danga said.
According to him, Nigeria continues to carry a significant global malaria burden, accounting for 25% of malaria cases worldwide.
“Although we have recorded progress, with national malaria prevalence reducing from 27% in 2015 to 22% in 2021, the disease still remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Nigeria—especially among children under five and pregnant women,” he explained.
Danga warned that untreated malaria could lead to severe complications including anaemia, organ failure, and death, particularly among vulnerable populations.
He outlined the country’s multi-tiered approach to tackling the disease, which includes seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and insecticide-treated net distribution campaigns at national, state, and community levels.
“The integration of these strategies provides a more comprehensive approach, improves sustainability, increases coverage, and offers cost-effective results,” he added.
In a shift from previous campaigns, Dr Danga announced that the 2025 net distribution will no longer be conducted door-to-door, but rather through designated distribution points, urging residents to participate actively.
“We urge the public to register and collect their nets at the nearest distribution centres during the stated period,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has also promised to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure the proper and consistent use of the distributed nets.
NAN