By Dare Akogun
The Transitional implementation committee chairmen in Offa and Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have flagged off the distribution of free House to house insecticide treated Nets (ITNs) with the call for community members to adhere strictly to its usage in order to curb malaria cases across the state.
The TIC Chairman, Baruten local government Area Honourable AbdulRasheed Ibrahim-Lafia, and the Society of Family Health (SFH) performed the flag-off ceremony held at the LGA headquarters in Kosubosu, which also had other partners in attendance.
Hon. Ibrahim-Lafia observed that Malaria had become a major public health concern, especially as it is one of the leading causes of maternal and child deaths in the country.
He said that while the disease is preventable and curable, the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) significantly reduces the risk of contracting it, adding that the insecticide-treated nets mass replacement exercise would help each family in the local government in the fight against malaria.
At Offa Local Government, the TIC Chairman called on the people to join him in the fight against malaria to prevent untimely death in the local government area, through a continuous cutting of weeds in their neighbourhood, disposal of all stagnant water, clearing of surrounding drainages, and maintaining a healthy and hygiene habit.
“A responsible government will not play with the health of her people, just as a healthy nation is regarded as a wealthy nation. The government in collaboration with Society for Family Health (SFH), has provided free Malaria testing with the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits and Drugs in all health facilities in the local government area, for the use of our people,” he said.
