From Uthman Abubakar, Maiduguri
The Borno State Ministry of Health and Malaria Consortium have commenced the distribution of five million free insecticide-treated mosquito nets against malaria across the state, with a stern warning: “Every net is tracked”, to guard against diversion.
The distribution exercise was flagged off in Maiduguri, Thursday, September 17 by Governor Babagana Zulum’s wife, Prof. Falmata Babagana Zulum, who assured that every net provide would be accounted for and used for the purpose.
Four pilot states for the malaria campaign – Abia, Login, Borno and FCT, have been allocated 16 nets, out of which Borno alone receives five million – the highest allocation.
“With the five million nets, this year’s distribution exercise is the largest ever in the state,” the State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Malam Gaba, observed in his welcome remarks, disclosing that already, secure warehouses and distribution teams have been provided in all the 27 local government areas of the state.
“Five million nets is a public trust,” he stated, warning, “Therefore, every net is tracked to avoid any fraudulent diversion.”
Prof Gana underscored that the nets are free, explaining, “They are not for sale by any distribution team member, official or community leader,” warning, “anyone caught associated with selling the net will be prosecuted.”
He pleaded with the beneficiaries of the nets to use them during the rainy and dry seasons, maintaining, “a net left in the store protects no one.”
Flagging off the exercise, Prof Falmata Zulum charged all citizens of the state participate in all efforts at fighting malaria, maintaining, “ending malaria is a collective responsibility,” adding, “we should not relent until the disease is totally subdued by the use of the net.”
Sha assured that every household in Borno State would be reached in the distribution. END
