Michael Tidi, chairman of the Warri South Local Government Area, on Thursday flagged off the distribution of free Mosquito Insecticide Treated Nets in Warri.
Tidi in his remark during the exercise appealed to Warri residents not to take the exercise for granted.
He said malaria, which is caused by mosquitoes, remains one of the deadliest diseases in Africa.
He said governments, which exist for the protection of life, have established the fact that malaria is a deadly disease, and cannot just sit down and fold their arms, hence the distribution of the nets.
He appealed to the Mobilization Distribution Team not to see the exercise as a political campaign, stressing that it is very essential that there should be equitable distribution of the mosquito nets.
“I want to thank God for witnessing this campaign the second time. The first excessive was seamless. Our people benefited immensely from the distribution of the nets. Those who did not benefit kept calling for another round
“Today I am happy that their call has been answered. Please I want to call on the Mobilization Distribution Team not see this exercise as a political campaign.
Read also: Strengthening Health Financing in Africa Towards Universal Health Coverage
“Malaria is a deadly disease today, especially in Africa and all hands must be on deck to ensure that we eradicate it. This is why governments that exist for the protection of life cannot just sit down and watch whole people die.
“I have used mosquito nets for prevention of not only mosquitoes but also other insects while I was in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna state.
“We appreciate everyone who has supported this program. People of Warri should not take this for granted. They should take advantage of this exercise and avail themselves when the team comes to your house,” Tidi said.
He however, advised that the distribution of the free insecticide treated nets should start from rural communities in Warri South Local Government Area.
Earlier, Mofe Okere, technical assistant, Warri Local Government Area in his brief remarks, noted that this year’s distribution is unique as the team will go from house to house.
He said this year, every household will receive at least one mosquito net depending on how many children one has.
“Every household is going to receive at least one mosquito net. We have 365 distributors working in the project and we are sure to distribute to every household in this council,” Okere said.
Clementina Akpomudje, Roll Back Malaria Officer, Warri South council area, said the purpose of the gathering was to enlighten and engage discussion on how to prevent, stop and eradicate the deadly disease known as malaria.
She added that the most effective method of preventing the spread of malaria is the use of mosquito nets.
“Research indicates 627 thousand deaths that occured in 2020 around the world were as a result of malaria and as of 2020, malaria is described to have taken the lives of 241 million people around the world.
“In Nigeria, it is largely accountable for 300 thousand deaths in Nigeria,” Akpomudje said.
In a similar development, Chairman of the Warri South Local Government Area, Dr Michael Tidi was decorated as Warri South LGA Net Advocate by the Roll Back Malaria Team.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
