GOV BELLO FLAGS OFF THE DISTRIBUTION OF 3.7M INSECTICIDE-TREATED NETS 

Niger state governor Abubakar Sani Bello has flagged off the distribution of 3.7 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets and scaled up 3.0 covid-19 and rotavirus vaccines in the state.

Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death in many of the countries where it exists. It occurs mostly in poor tropical and subtropical regions.

Young children, who have not yet developed immunity to malaria, and pregnant women, whose immunity has been reduced by pregnancy, are the most vulnerable groups in areas with high transmission.

Nigeria contributes 27% globally to the malaria burden and 23% to malaria deaths.

In 2018, Niger state had a malaria prevalence rate of 31.6% and a prevalence of 43.8% in Nigeria.

In 2020 over 1 million persons were diagnosed with malaria in the state

The commissioner for health said they were treated with free Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs). Yet the mortality has not declined much.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello emphasized the importance of changing the narrative of healthcare indices while flagging off the mosquito-treated net campaign.

He noted that the roll back Malaria and Immunization campaigns are cardinal areas that require a new wave of sensitization particularly towards women.