Oyo distrubutes one million mosquito nets in Oke-Ogun

As part of its efforts to curb the spread of malaria, the Oyo State government has commenced the distribution of about one million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINS) for the use of the inhabitants of the 13 local governments in Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso areas of the state.Speaking at the kick off ceremony of the distribution of the mosquito nets at Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state, the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, observed that seven out of every 10 patients were hospitalised due to malaria or its complications.He, therefore, reiterated the resolve of his administration to find lasting solutions to the spread and continued existence of malaria in the state.The governor, according to a release signed by the Special Assistnat on Media to the deputy governor, Mr Sola Adegoke, disclosed that government at all levels had spent huge amount to procure and distribute antimalaria commodities free to health facilities, saying that 'free treatment of malaria will become optimal in our primary health care facilities soon.'Senator Ajimobi also said that the effort of his administration at creating more conducive and hygienic communities through waste management would go a long way in reducing transmission of malaria scourge among the populace, adding that 'waterways are being opened up and cleared to reduce flooding and more importantly, to reduce breeding grounds for the malaria vector.'He expressed the appreciation of the state government to its partners in the project, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for contributing to the success of the programme, saying that the 'strong bond of partnership will surely forge a great effort which will go a long way in combating the disease.'Speaking on the occasion, Country Director of USAID, Dr Abba Zakari Omar, disclosed that his agency supported the programme with N100 million, 315,000 nets valued at over N280 million as well as offering training on prevention and treatment of the malaria scourge.Also speaking, the National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Chioma Amajoh,who was also represented by Osuolale Adekunle said that malaria disease had depleted the nation's human resources as it was responsible for the death of majority of Under-five children and pregnant mothers, adding that 'Government loses about N132 billion yearly due to cost of treatment and transportation of patients to source of treatment.
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