Obiano Intensifies Fight Against malaria, Distributes 3 million Insecticide Treated Nets

As part of the Roll Back Malaria programme, the governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday flagged off the distribution of three point one million long lasting insecticide-treated nets replacement campaign, which will cover the entire state.

Held at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ebenebe, Awka North LGA, the ceremony, which also had in attendance the First Lady of the state, Chief Mrs Ebele Obiano, attracted stakeholders in the health sector, top government officials, men, women and children from the area.

Speaking at the event, Gov Obiano, who performed the official flagoff, informed that the state has set aside huge resources to ensure that all citizens of the state benefit from the on-going exercise.

"This administration is leaving no stone unturned in our effort to eliminate the burden of malaria across the state, as well as eradicate other childhood killer diseases such as polio," the governor hinted.

While urging Ndi Anambra to support the government in the campaign by ensuring a clean environment, Governor Obiano called for an effective distribution of the nets to all parts of the state, particularly rural areas, to ensure that all households are covered. He also enjoined beneficiaries to make good use of the nets as specified, so as to achieve expected result.

In his remark, the state Commissioner for Health Dr Joe Akabuike noted that the nets had over the years proven to be a cost effective means of controlling malaria by reducing the physical contact between mosquito and humans.

"Malaria accounts to an estimated twenty five percent of deaths yearly in under five years, thirty percent of childhood deaths and over ninety five percent of Ndi Anambra were at risk of the malaria infection. We hereby call on all net holders to go to the distribution points in their wards for replacement, "Akabuike said.

In his address, the chairman of Awka North LGA Chief Cosmas Okoye called on beneficiaries to put the nets to good use as it has proved highly effective in fighting malaria. I also want to use this opportunity to urge people of this Local Government to give governor Obiano's administration total support to achieve its vision."

It would be recalled that the first mass distribution of long lasting insecticide-treated nets in Anambra State took place in 2009, during which over one point six million nets were distributed. The current distribution is to replace the old nets, which had a life span of four years, as well as reach out to more households.