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Malaria Consortium Calls for Proper Use of Mosquito Nets as Nigeria Targets Distribution of 39m Nets
Malaria Consortium Calls for Proper Use of Mosquito Nets as Nigeria Targets Distribution of 39m Nets
Malaria Consortium Calls for Proper Use of Mosquito Nets as Nigeria Targets Distribution of 39m Nets
The Malaria Consortium has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of rural communities, to embrace the consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to reduce malaria infections and deaths across the country.
The organisation also urged journalists to intensify public awareness campaigns on malaria prevention and the proper use of the nets, stressing that effective utilisation of the intervention would contribute significantly to protecting vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children under five years.
The Abia State Campaign Manager, Insecticide-Treated Nets, of Malaria Consortium, Mr. Kola Somuyiwa, made the call on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a media workshop organised by the organisation in Umuahia, Abia State.
Somuyiwa disclosed that over 39 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets would be distributed across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to combat malaria and reduce its burden on the population.
He explained that the nationwide distribution was considered necessary because Nigeria accounts for about 27 per cent of malaria infections globally, making the country a major focus of international and national interventions aimed at eliminating the disease.
According to him, the distribution programme is being implemented through collaboration with relevant partners, noting that the involvement of stakeholders was essential to achieving the desired results in the fight against malaria.
He emphasised that beyond distributing the mosquito nets, there was a need to ensure that beneficiaries understood their importance and used them appropriately to achieve the intended health benefits.
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In their separate presentations, the Behavioural Change and Communications Advisers of Malaria Consortium, Dr. John Dada and Mr. Hillary Chukwu and The Advocacy, Communication Social Mobilisation Officer and State Malaria Elimination Program Abía Ministry of Health, Mr. Nkemjika Nneji, highlighted the devastating consequences of malaria, particularly on pregnant women and children below five years of age.
They explained that these vulnerable groups remained particularly exposed to the dangers associated with malaria infections, stressing that consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets was one of the important preventive measures available to households.
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The advisers urged residents to make proper use of the nets whenever they received them, rather than keeping them unused, converting them to other domestic purposes or diverting them from their intended beneficiaries.
They noted that measures had been put in place to guard against the abuse and diversion of the mosquito nets, adding that public cooperation and adequate information were necessary to ensure that the intervention achieved its objectives.
The communications advisers further called on media practitioners to take a leading role in educating the public on malaria prevention, the benefits of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the need for their effective and consistent use.
They stressed that journalists, through their various media platforms, could help address misconceptions, promote positive behavioural changes and encourage communities to adopt preventive practices against malaria.
The workshop also featured an interactive session during which participants discussed practical strategies for encouraging residents of Abia State, particularly those in rural communities, to embrace the proper use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Participants also shared ideas on how to make malaria prevention messages more appealing and understandable to the younger generation, noting the importance of sustained public enlightenment in ensuring that the mosquito nets were not merely distributed but effectively utilised.
The discussions further highlighted the need for continuous engagement with communities to overcome behavioural challenges that could undermine the success of the distribution exercise.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from various print, electronic and online media organisations in the state.
The workshop formed part of efforts by Malaria Consortium to strengthen media participation and public awareness in the fight against malaria, particularly as the country prepares for the distribution of over 39 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
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