Ondo Govt Endorses Distribution of 3.6m Insecticide-Treated Nets To Combat Malaria
The Ondo State Government has endorsed the forthcoming distribution of 3.6 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state, urging residents to fully embrace the initiative as part of efforts to curb malaria and safeguard public health.
The campaign, scheduled for September 8–17, 2025, is being organised in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Malaria Consortium. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is expected to formally flag it off. The programme targets a reduction in the state’s malaria prevalence rate, currently estimated at 27 percent.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the team lead, Mrs. Olubunmi Ojelade, explained that trained personnel wearing malaria-branded uniforms would go house-to-house to register residents and distribute nets. She stressed that sleeping under ITNs remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria, reducing incidence by up to 50 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mrs. Ojelade noted that malaria continues to pose a major public health burden in Nigeria, with the country accounting for 25 percent of global cases and 30 percent of related deaths. She added that children under five and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable, while about 60 percent of patients treated in health facilities are malaria cases.
In his response, Hon. Ajanaku assured the delegation of the Ministry’s robust media support, including jingles, reports, and features on state-owned platforms such as its flagship magazine programme Ondo Path to Progress.
He also advised recipients to adopt proper usage practices—airing the nets in the shade for 24 hours before hanging and ensuring consistent nightly use.
The Commissioner emphasised that the campaign would be widely publicised to ensure households in all 18 local government areas of the state are reached.
