The Gombe State Government, with support from the Global Fund Malaria Grant, has launched the 2024 mass campaign aimed at distributing over 2.1 million insecticide-treated nets across the 114 wards in the state.
During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by his deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, announced that the state had approved the use of 565 health facilities and deployed over 15,000 personnel to ensure the success of the campaign.
Dr. Jatau urged residents to take advantage of the campaign and consistently use the nets, dismissing discomfort as largely psychological.
‘Medicine may not be palatable, but it cures, encouraging widespread participation.
‘This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect families from malaria-carrying mosquitoes and provide Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) medication for children aged 3 to 59 months.’
Highlighting the severe impact of malaria, Dr. Jatau cited the 2021 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which id
entified malaria as a leading cause of maternal and child deaths.
He also referenced the 2023 World Malaria Report, which noted that 85 countries, including Nigeria, remain at risk of malaria.
In response, Dr. Jatau stressed the need for global efforts to eliminate malaria and acknowledged the significant investments by both the government and international partners. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reducing and eventually eliminating the malaria burden through the Gombe State Ministry of Health and the State Malaria Elimination Programme.
Dr. Jatau also called for increased investment in local research, advocating for support to institutions like the Centre for African Medicinal Plants Research at North Eastern University, Gombe, to develop locally sourced drugs and vaccines.
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the public to support the government’s anti-malaria crusade, saying, ‘Dip your bucket
where you are.’
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinat
ing Minister for Health and Social Welfare, who was represented by Mary Esema, Deputy Director of Integrated Vector Management. Dr. Pate emphasized the importance of using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and SMC as key strategies for malaria prevention.
He highlighted the adoption of innovative technology, such as the Cash and Access Transfer (CAT) strategy and geospatial mapping, to improve the efficiency and transparency of the distribution process.
Mrs. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, Net Ambassador and wife of the Gombe State Governor, represented by the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Ms. Asma’u Iganus, reiterated her commitment to eradicating malaria among children and mothers in the state.
Dr. Jatau thanked partners such as the Global Fund, National Malaria Elimination Programme, WHO, CRS, Society for Family Health (SFH), and Grid 3 for their continuous support in making the campaign a success.
Source: Voice of Nigeria