Malam Bilya Haruna, the Coordinator, Malaria Control Program in Jigawa, said that the state government and its partners, have taken proactive measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the ongoing 2021 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) Mass Campaign in the state.
It could be recalled that the state government, in collaboration with partners-Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Malaria Consortium (MC) and National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), on Nov. 17, flagged off the distribution of 3.7 million ITNs to residents in the state.
Bilya, who spoke on Saturday noted that the strategy for the campaign in distributing the nets to beneficiaries has been changed, as the nets would now be taken to the door steps of the beneficiaries, instead of them coming to collect at distribution points.
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“In previous campaigns, we mobilized residents and gave them the nets at distribution points. But this time around, the strategy has been changed because of COVID-19.
“This is because anything that will bring about large gathering of people we have to avoid it. Because we don’t want a situation whereby while providing intervention and at the same time spread COVID-19.
“So that’s why we changed the strategy. The nets will be taken to the door steps of the beneficiaries at nooks and crannies of the state,” Bilya said.
He added that another reason was to enhance access to the ITNs among residents.
“Secondly, during previous exercises, a lot of people did not come to the distribution points and redeem the nets. Some said they didn’t have time, some said sad the collection points were too far from their residences, while others complained of having to join long queues before they could get the nets.
“Now all these issues have been addressed as no beneficiary will have go far or join queue before getting the net. Our teams will be at their door steps and give them the nets.
“This is another reason for changing our strategy in order to have a successful campaign,” he said.
Also, in his speech during the inauguration of the exercise at Madobi village of Dutse Local Government Area, Dr Perpetua Uhomiobhi, the Coordinator, NMEP, said the Federal Ministry of Health and its partners, have also taken same measures to ensure efficient distribution of nets.
“In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to inform you that the FMoH and its partners have taken proactive steps to ensure efficient delivery of ITNs to beneficiaries while minimizing the risk of the spread of the disease.
“As a result, the current approach will utilize the door-to-door strategy as against the fixed point distribution points to distribute the ITNs to the beneficiaries.
“Personal Protective Equipment have also been provided to the field workers, Uhomiobhi said.
This, he noted that would ensure safety of the threats of COVID-19 to the field workers and the beneficiaries during the exercise.
