The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health and supported by Global Fund Malaria, has initiated an extensive mobilization effort to distribute 3.1 million insecticide-treated nets to residents across the state, starting on November 18.
In a statement on Monday, Mr. Oladeji Julius, the Insecticide-Treated Nets Mass Campaign Coordinator for Ijebu North Local Government, reported that 47,363 of the estimated 78,279 households in the area have been mobilized to collect the nets.
Julius said, “The exercise started on October 31 and continued till Wednesday, November 6. For Ijebu North Local Government, we have 752 communities to cover out of which we have reached out to 356.
“And out of the estimated 78,279 households for the net distribution, we have issued new cards to 47,363 households recording about 59% coverage so far.”
He urged the households that have been mobilized to keep their net cards safely and neatly and ensure that it is not roughened or damaged particularly, the area of the net card which contains the QR code to be scanned.
“We equally urged the households that have been mobilized to follow the dates given to them and go for the collection of these nets at the designated venues when the time comes.
“Before using these nets, they should spread and air them under a shade for 24 hours, and when they are dirty, they should wash them with mild soap not highly concentrated detergent and the nets should not be washed more than two or three times in a year at most”, he added.
In the ongoing distribution of insecticide-treated nets across Ogun State, various local government coordinators provided updates on their progress.
Ijebu North East: ITN Coordinator Raphael Izi reported that 14,890 out of 24,900 households had received net cards, achieving a 60.20% coverage as of Sunday. He noted that 119 of the 273 communities mapped for the campaign have been covered, with assurances that remaining areas would be reached by Wednesday.
Ijebu East: Coordinator Abiodun Rafiu stated that 146 out of 265 communities have been covered, with 90 fully reached. His team has mobilized over 20,000 of the 39,537 targeted households. Rafiu added that poor network service in some remote areas affected progress tracking but expects a clearer picture once reports from three wards become accessible.
Ijebu Ode: Coordinator Julia Bienose reported that 28,100 households have been mobilized from 285 settlements, achieving 65% coverage. She extended her gratitude to the community for their cooperation and encouraged adherence to net usage instructions.
Ogun Waterside: Coordinator John Shaibu confirmed that out of 26,171 households, 15,835 have been mobilized, with plans to reach the remaining 10,336 households by the campaign’s close.
