The Ondo State Government has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming distribution of 3.6 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state, urging citizens to fully embrace the initiative as part of efforts to curb malaria and safeguard public health.
The campaign, which will run from September 8th to 17th 2025 in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and Malaria Consortium, will be formally flagged off by Governor Aiyedatiwa. It is targeted at reducing the state’s malaria prevalence rate, currently estimated at 27 percent.
During an advocacy courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the team lead, Mrs. Olubunmi Ojelade, explained that trained personnel in malaria-branded uniforms would go house-to-house to register residents and distribute nets. She stressed that sleeping under ITNs remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria, reducing incidence by up to 50 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mrs. Ojelade further highlighted that malaria continues to pose a major public health burden in Nigeria, with the country accounting for 25 percent of global cases and 30 percent of related deaths. She noted that children under five and pregnant women are most vulnerable, while about 60 percent of patients in health facilities are treated for malaria.
Responding, Hon. Ajanaku assured the delegation of the Ministry’s robust media support, including jingles, reports, and features on state-owned platforms such as its flagship magazine programme Ondo Path to Progress.
He also urged recipients to adopt proper usage practices, advising them to air the nets in the shade for 24 hours before hanging and to ensure consistent use every night.
The Commissioner emphasised that the campaign would be publicised widely to ensure households in all 18 local government areas of the state are reached.
Governor Aiyedatiwa will officially flag off the exercise on Monday, September 8, marking the beginning of a large-scale intervention expected to significantly reduce malaria transmission in the state.
