By Rita Iliya/Minna
Niger government in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), have begun the distribution of 3.2 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to the 25 local governments in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the nets were distributed to households in Lapai Local Government Area on Monday.
The campaign is also being supported by the Malaria Consortium (MC), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Queency Ajiero, Coordinator for the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and ITN campaign in Lapai LG, told NAN that 2,047 bales of nets had been transported to 45 distribution points across the local government area for collection by beneficiaries.
Similarly, Mr Simon Zimro, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign in Rijau Local Government, said data collected after household mobilisation showed that 3,339 bales of ITNs would be distributed across 67 distribution points in 11 wards in the council area.
In Mokwa Local Government, Mr Solomon Baakpe, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign, said 5,761 bales of nets were being moved to 95 distribution points.
He identified some of the challenges faced during the movement of nets to include difficult terrain and riverine communities that could not be reached.
“We travelled on water for about two hours before reaching some communities. It is not easy, and the cost of transportation is high,” he said.
In Paikoro Local Government, Marianne Abioyo, Coordinator for SMC and ITN campaign, said 2,010 bales of nets had been moved to 10 wards in the area.
She added that distribution of the nets would commence on Tuesday, urging households that had received E-token slips to visit their designated hubs to collect their nets.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joe Idika
