Minna: The Niger state government has activated a Security Advisory Team (SAT) to ensure safety and provide intelligence support during the Integrated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign across the state. Dr Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Health, announced the activation of the team, emphasizing its role in the smooth distribution of 3.2 million insecticide-treated nets to the state’s 274 wards.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this initiative addresses security challenges in parts of the state, ensuring the safety of personnel and the large consignment of nets and malaria drugs being moved. Dr Imam highlighted the importance of securing these items and personnel, stating that the team would provide quick advice on challenges to ensure safe movement without security issues. He praised security agencies for their commitment and assured them of the state government’s full support throughout the campaign.
In a goodwill message, Mrs Deborah Sesugh, Social and Behavioural Change Advisor with the Society for Family Health (SFH), appreciated the security agencies’ support and called for continued collaboration to safeguard health workers and commodities across the state’s 25 local government areas. Mr Omo-Eboh Mamudu, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Health, noted the ministry’s presence in the state to assess preparedness and acceptance of the ITN and SMC exercise.
Mr Ayuba Apagu, State Programme Manager for Malaria Consortium, expressed optimism that the distribution would significantly reduce malaria cases among children and women in the state. Mr Abasehua Olugbenro, Security Adviser with SFH, stated that the team’s responsibilities include providing daily security updates, escorting consignments, responding to emergencies, and prosecuting individuals found with stolen nets.
The integrated ITN and SMC campaign is being implemented by the Niger government in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Malaria Consortium (MC), and the Society for Family Health (SFH).