Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially flagged off the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) across the state as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of malaria and build a healthier population.
Speaking at the launch in Akure on Monday, the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, described malaria as one of the most pressing health challenges in the state. He noted that the disease continues to account for high rates of illness and death, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
According to the Governor, malaria prevalence in Ondo currently stands at 27 percent, a figure his administration is determined to reduce to single digits through preventive strategies and improved healthcare access. He stressed that widespread distribution and proper use of insecticide-treated nets will significantly lower infection rates and protect households from the scourge of the disease.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s broader healthcare agenda under the “OUR EASE” framework, which includes revitalizing over 100 primary healthcare facilities, upgrading secondary health institutions, and expanding maternal and child healthcare through the Abiyamo Scheme. He also cited improvements in the State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, emergency medical services, and free malaria testing and treatment in state hospitals as evidence of his government’s commitment to public health.
The Governor expressed appreciation to key partners including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the Global Fund, the World Bank, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, and Malaria Consortium, noting that their support has been instrumental in sustaining malaria prevention efforts in Ondo.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, emphasized the importance of proper net usage, warning that the fight against malaria can only be won if residents consistently use the distributed LLINs.
Representing the National Coordinator of NMEP, Mr. David Oyeleke described the campaign as a vital step in safeguarding vulnerable citizens, adding that Nigeria has distributed over 500 million treated nets nationwide since 2009. He commended Ondo State for embracing innovative strategies to improve the efficiency of distribution and utilization.
Other goodwill messages came from the World Health Organisation’s State Coordinator, Dr. Habibu Yahaha, and Dr. Samuel Akingbesote, Project Director at IMPACT Malaria, who both applauded the initiative as an investment in human and social capital that would yield long-term benefits for the people.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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Would you like me to also craft a health-focused headline variation (e.g., “Ondo Targets Malaria Reduction with Distribution of Treated Nets”) to boost visibility on health news and NGO-related platforms?
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