Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has shifted attention from other endemic diseases, experts have warned against the abuse of long-lasting insecticidal nets distributed by the Akwa Ibom government.
Margret Etim, a health educator with the state ministry of health, gave the warning at the third quarter Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) meeting in Uyo, the state capital. She noted that a situation where the nets were being used for farming, fishing and window covering by some people negated the purpose of the nets.
She noted that the government in collaboration with the Breakthrough
Action Nigeria (BA-N), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has expended resources to protect the people against mosquito attack though the distribution of nets to households, provides testing and treatment free of charge.
Etim called community leaders and volunteers to advise perpetrators of the act to desist from such act and to report same to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
READ ALSO: IFRSEF calls for Nigeria’s representation at IASB, condemns poor financial reporting in Nigeria
She emphasized that apart from malaria, other programmes should be integrated and carried along during advocacy activities to improve healthcare delivery such as family planning, maternal and reproductive health and nutrition, among others.
The state coordinator, Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), Bassey Nsa said although people now come to realize the difference between Coronavirus Disease(COVID-19) and malaria, it was necessary to emphasize on bed net abuse test and treatment for malaria amidst the pandemic.
He also spoke on the need for facilitators to promote aggressively virtual digital malaria messages at the communities as a way of engaging more media activities for malaria prevention.
John Orok, programme manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme and chairman of the ACSM said as the World Democracy Day was marked on that day, policymakers and other stakeholders should work critically to improve healthy living in society.
Represented by the deputy chairman of the group, Elsie Udofia, he commended the group and the sponsor, for being committed and outstanding in malaria programmes. He called on all the stakeholders not to relent in a bid to rid the state of malaria infection for the well-being of the residents and citizens.
