Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong has flagged off the distribution of 2.5 million free Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)to the people of the state with a charge on them to put the nets into proper use, while assuring that government would continue to pay its counterpart for the health benefits of its citizens.
The governor said despite the lean resources of the government, he would always channel the little accrued to the health needs of the people.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden, the governor said the deaths usually associated with Malaria has been drastically reduced and further called on people to ensure cleanliness and free flow of water in their various environments.
“Usage of the nets is more important than the collection if it is not used. Please ensure that you use it if we most achieve what we are here for,” he stressed.
The Governor enjoined the Ministries of Information and Health to collaborate and ensure they propagate the message of the importance of using the nets to the nooks and crannies of the state.
He tasked Traditional rulers also not to relent in that direction but to ensure that their subjects adhered to the usage of the nets.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nimkong Lar Ndam, said 2.5 million long-lasting insecticidal nets would be distributed in the state and urged people to take advantage of the gesture.
Ndam appreciated the gesture of their partners saying the nets have greatly reduced the prevalence of Malaria in the state and further explained that public health institutions, in an effort at curbing the menace offer free treated nets to the public.
He thanked the state government for the timely release of their counterpart saying it has gone greatly in easing the elimination of Malaria.
The Health Commissioner used the occasion to appreciate their partners, the WHO, USAID, GSHC, PSM, and BA-N assuring that the partnership had come to stay.
In Goodwill messages, the Mission Director, USAID Nigeria, Mr. Stephen Haykin and who was represented by Mr. Jonathan Kon said since 2011they have been partnering with the state government and have so far spent over 100 million dollars towards the prevention of Malaria in Africa.
According to him, malaria has remained the major killer of children hence the proper usage of the net by all.
Mr. Mike Egboh, Country Director, Global Health Supply Chain Procurement Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) said they have in the state for a long period and have enjoyed working with the government.
He called on all the government to ensure strict distribution and supervision of the nets to ensure proper utilization as well to ensure they released the remaining N60m counterpart.
