Malaria continues to pose a severe health challenge in Nigeria, claiming the lives of at least nine Nigerians every hour.
This alarming statistic was revealed by Daniel Gbue, Media and Communications Specialist for the Global Fund project of the Society for Family Health (SFH). Gbue, quoting global statistics, also pointed out that Nigeria accounts for one in every five malaria-related deaths worldwide, making it one of the most affected countries by the disease.
Speaking at a media orientation held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Gbue highlighted the urgent need to scale up efforts in combating malaria, which remains a leading cause of death in the country, especially among children and pregnant women. He stressed that one of the key strategies in the fight against malaria is the use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs).
The 2024 ITN universal coverage campaign, spearheaded by the Society for Family Health, is designed to distribute mosquito nets across Nigeria, with a special focus on rural communities where the incidence of malaria is highest.
John Ocholi, Project Director for the Global Fund Project at SFH, explained that the primary goal of the ITN campaign is to ensure that people in malaria-endemic areas have access to mosquito nets and use them correctly.
This preventive measure could significantly reduce the number of malaria cases and, consequently, the number of deaths attributed to the disease.
He noted that while curative measures are important, prevention is far more cost-effective, helping families to avoid the financial burden of treating malaria and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
Ocholi expressed concern that, despite years of efforts to encourage the use of mosquito nets, net utilization in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, remains disappointingly low. According to him, Ogun State has one of the lowest ITN usage rates globally, with only about 30% of residents using the nets, even though 60-70% of households own them.
This gap between ownership and actual use of nets is a major challenge, and the SFH is working with government partners to address it.
Ocholi stressed the importance of not only distributing mosquito nets but also educating the public on how to use them properly.
He advised that nets should be aired for 24 hours before being placed over sleeping areas and that people should sleep under the nets every night to minimize mosquito bites and the transmission of malaria.
In response to these concerns, Ogun State’s Malaria Program Manager, Olamide Adeyinka, outlined the state’s ongoing efforts to promote the use of mosquito nets.
Adeyinka noted that the state government has launched a comprehensive community mobilization initiative aimed at sensitizing residents on the importance of using ITNs.
The initiative includes house-to-house campaigns in 10 local government areas, where health workers and volunteers engage directly with households to educate them on the benefits of mosquito nets and to dispel misconceptions or fears surrounding their use.
Adeyinka acknowledged that one of the reasons for low net utilization is the public’s skepticism about the efficacy of mosquito nets and concerns about their potential side effects.
To address these concerns, the state government has partnered with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to conduct interpersonal communication campaigns. These campaigns focus on engaging with community members one-on-one to understand their reservations about using nets and to provide them with clear information on how to use the nets effectively.
Adeyinka emphasized that these grassroots efforts are critical in changing people’s attitudes toward mosquito nets and increasing their adoption in high-risk areas.
As part of the 2024 ITN campaign, Ogun State is set to distribute over 3 million mosquito nets to households across all local government areas. Adeyinka revealed that around 14,000 personnel, including health workers, volunteers, and CSO representatives, will be involved in the distribution and sensitization efforts.
In addition to the distribution of nets, the campaign has included numerous advocacy visits to traditional, religious, and community leaders to enlist their support in promoting the use of mosquito nets. These leaders are seen as key influencers who can help spread the message about the importance of malaria prevention and encourage their communities to adopt healthier practices.
The partnership between the Ogun State government, the Society for Family Health, and other stakeholders is seen as a critical step toward reducing the malaria burden in the state and, ultimately, across Nigeria. While the distribution of ITNs is a crucial part of the strategy, it is equally important that the public is educated on how to use the nets effectively to protect
