He noted that, malaria has been a huge problem because the malaria parasite seems to be very evasive, stating that, the ministry will do her best to create awareness through the CRBC radio and television, public relation unit, and other available platforms, on the importance of the LLIN
Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator Campaign Implementation Team and Program Manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Dr. Iwara Iwara emphasized that, there is need for every Local Government Area in the State to be well sensitized on the need of the LLIN and expressed dissatisfaction at wrong usage of the nets by some persons.
While noting that, most people do not value what is freely given, Iwara advised beneficiaries to value the nets and not seeing it as just a free gift. Adding that, the team will meet with the department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Commission and House Committee on Health, to intimate them on the activities of the team.
In the same vein, a member of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and Malaria Action Programme for State (MAPs), Zainab Ali, explained that the campaign implementation team consisting of members from the State Ministry of Health, State Malaria Elimination programme (SMEP), Implementing Partners, Malaria Action Programme for States (MAPS) and Deliver Project is for the purpose of Long Lasting Insecticide Net replacement campaign Implementation in the State.
She disclosed that, LLINs will be distributed in the State at all levels, as 2.2 million nets were procured and delivered to the State Agency for International Development through United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Ali stated that, there will be a four-day training beginning from Wednesday, August 5th 2015, a Media Orientation on Monday, August 10th 2015 and 5 days distribution of the LLIN. She added that, series of activities before the distribution exercise include, training at State, Local Government Area and Ward levels, Movement of nets from the State stores to the LGAs and from the LGAs to the distribution point, house to house mobilization, where beneficiaries would be rapid registered and given net card to enable them redeem nets at the distribution point.
Also, another member of MAPS, Mr. Abdul Mussa, emphasized that information is the key part of the campaign and would be targeted at the grass root, adding that, people should know why they need the net, how to use the net and the essence of sleeping inside the net.
