The Cross River State government has launched a campaign to distribute 2,797,350 insecticide-treated mosquito nets in 1,025 distribution points across 196 wards in the state as part of a strategy to reduce the burden of malaria in the state and the country as a whole.
The distribution, which is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Elimination Programme and other rollback malaria partners, is to intensify efforts to increase access to long-lasting and cost-effective mosquito nets.
A representative of Governor Bassey Edet Otu stated yesterday at the flag-off ceremony in Calabar that the use of treated nets had proven to be one of the most effective malaria prevention interventions.
Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, representing the governor, stated that, in addition to net distribution, consistent and correct use of nets by sleeping inside them every night all year round was required for effective protection from mosquito bites, which spread malaria.
Malaria, according to Otu, is the leading cause of maternal and child deaths in Nigeria, but it can be prevented and treated with better strategies.