Malaria is a significant cause of absenteeism from school and work, leading to reduced productivity and financial losses for individuals and governments. To combat this issue, residents of Plateau State are encouraged to take advantage of the free distribution of over 2.9 million insecticide-treated nets. These nets should be used correctly to prevent malaria and avoid the expenses associated with its treatment.
During a media briefing in Jos, Mr. Eze Eze, the Senior Program Officer for Media at Breakthrough Actions Nigeria, emphasized the importance of using the nets to reduce the State’s malaria prevalence rate, currently at 19%. Malaria, a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly affects children under five and pregnant women. It is preventable and curable through proper measures, including the use of insecticide-treated nets.
Efforts to combat malaria in Plateau State involve the distribution of 2,998,600 Insecticide-Treated Nets to households. This initiative, led by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with various organizations, aims to reduce the burden of malaria in the region. The distribution process includes household registration and the issuance of e-token slips for collecting the nets. It is essential for every household member to sleep under the nets consistently to prevent malaria effectively.
In addition to malaria intervention, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided Plateau State with two mini laboratories as COVID-19 Sample Collection Centres. Situated at Primary Healthcare Centers in Jos North and Jos South, these facilities will enhance the state’s capacity to diagnose and isolate COVID-19 cases promptly. The State Government, represented by the Health Commissioner, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, emphasized the importance of these laboratories in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and urged for their diligent use to safeguard public health.
