By Rita Iliya
Niger residents have commended the ongoing distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) to households aimed at reducing malaria cases across the state.
Some of the residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday, said the exercise would go a long way in reducing malaria cases, especially among children and pregnant women.
NAN reports that the 2025 mass campaign for the distribution of ITNs, was inaugurated on Thursday in Minna.
It was organised by the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
The four-day exercise is being supported by Global Fund, Catholic Relief Services, Malaria Consortium and Society for Family Health (SFH).
The distribution of ITNs was integrated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ) administration through Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) for children under five years of age.
According to a website, (Medicines for Malaria Venture) (www.mmv.org), SMC is an intervention that consists of full antimalarial treatment courses for SPAQ.
Speaking on the exercise, a resident, Mrs Amina Abdullahi, said the free distribution of the nets had brought relief to many families who could not afford them.
The mother of four said, “We are very happy with this programme.
“Before now, my children often suffer from malaria, but with the nets, I believe that will reduce.
Another resident, Mr Ibrahim Musa, commended the SFH and the state government for their efforts.
Musa said that the sensitisation campaign that accompanied the exercise helped residents to understand how to use and maintain the nets.
“They did not just give us the nets; they also explained how to hang them properly and ensure they are safe for our children. That is commendable,” he said.
Also, a trader, Mrs Grace Oche, said that the distribution had reached remote communities, making it inclusive.
“Sometimes, such programmes only go to people in the urban areas, but this time, they came to our villages too. We really appreciate it,” Oche said.
A youth leader, Mr Yusuf Danjuma, also lauded the organisers for involving community leaders in the process, saying it helped build trust among residents.
“We saw our traditional leaders participate; people came out in their large numbers. It showed transparency and sincerity of purpose,” he said.
On her part, a health worker, Hajiya Hadiza Suleiman, described the initiative as timely.
“It will complement ongoing efforts to eradicate malaria in the state.
“We see many malaria cases in the clinic daily. With this campaign, we expect a reduction, especially among vulnerable groups,” Suleiman said.
NAN reports that earlier at the inauguration, Dr Ibrahim Idris, the Director, Public Health, Ministry for Secondary Health, disclosed that about 3.2 million ITNs would be distributed to households.
He also noted that no fewer than 1.5 million children would receive monthly doses of SPAQ during the rainy season. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Chidi Opara
