The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to distribute 4.5 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to 1.8 million households across the state as part of efforts to combat malaria.
Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Sadiq, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, made this known at a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna. She said the mass distribution campaign will run from June 30 to July 3, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Society for Family Health, and the Malaria Consortium.
Integrated Strategy with Malaria Drug for Children
Abubakar-Sadiq explained that the ITN distribution is integrated with the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme—a critical initiative where SPAQ, a preventive malaria drug, is administered to children aged 3 to 59 months.
She urged parents and caregivers to make their children available during the campaign, noting that about two million children under five are expected to benefit from SPAQ between June and September 2025.
Environmental Focus: Retrieving Old Nets
“This year’s campaign introduces an environmental preservation element through the End of Life of Nets programme,” Abubakar-Sadiq added. “We will be retrieving worn-out or expired mosquito nets as part of our commitment to sustainability.”
She encouraged residents to redeem their new ITNs using e-tokens at designated distribution points across the state.
National Goal: 80% Coverage by 2025
Abubakar-Sadiq reaffirmed that the ITN campaign aligns with Nigeria’s national vector control strategy, which aims to ensure at least 80% coverage of the target population by 2025.
She called on all residents to support the campaign by participating fully and ensuring household members are available to receive the nets and preventive treatment.
Why It Matters
Malaria remains a major public health threat in Nigeria, accounting for 27% of global cases and 32% of malaria-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization’s Malaria Report.
Young children and pregnant women are most at risk, but insecticide-treated nets remain one of the most effective tools for prevention. Studies show that ITNs can cut malaria incidence by up to 50% and reduce child mortality by 20% in high-risk areas.
States like Kaduna, Kano, and Bauchi have ramped up ITN distribution in 2024, with support from the Global Fund and CRS, targeting the distribution of over 30 million free mosquito nets nationwide.
Residents of Kaduna are urged to take full advantage of this life-saving intervention.
