By Dare Akogun
The Kwara state government is set for the flag off of the Integrated SMC/ITN 2023 campaign in Ilorin, a program aimed at distributing insecticide treated Nets across the state tomorrow.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, while speaking on the level of preparedness for the campaign said arrangements have been concluded for the distribution of at least 2.2million of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to various households across the State as part of measures to eliminate malaria, which she called a killer-disease.
She said the 2023 edition of the nets distribution will be combined with the ongoing Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention.
Dr El Imam said the governor is also expected to demonstrate the use of insecticide treated nets and as well distribute the nets and the SPAQ to the beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, a training programme for Community Mobilizers and Distributors, was rounded off today, at various centres in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The trainees comprise of a recorder, a dispenser and insecticide treated nets distributor.
Earlier in his remarks the Campaign Manager for ITN/SMC Integrated activities, Mr. John Ocholi said the treated nets are estimated to reduce all-cause of child mortality by seventeen percent while bed nets treated with an insecticide are more protected than untreated nets.
He said the distribution of the items will run between 19th of October through 1st November 2023 and described malaria as number one public health in the country.
The Coordinator of Ilorin West local government area from Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Adiama Babatunde Yusuf, in her remarks said the trainees are to distribute the items for seven days in ten local government areas and twelve days in five local government areas while Moro local government area is to distribute net cards for five days and use five days to redeem their nets.