Malaria prevention: Oyo Govt rolls out distribution of 5 million treated nets
In a major push to combat malaria, the Oyo State Government has launched the distribution of over five million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across its 33 local government areas.
The distribution exercise was officially flagged off at the Idi-Ogungun Primary Health Care Centre in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations—especially pregnant women and children under five.
Dr. Ajetunmobi urged residents to use the nets strictly for their intended purpose and warned against using them for fishing, gardening, or as window coverings. She emphasized that the new nets are designed with lightweight, breathable materials to ensure comfort when used properly in well-ventilated spaces.
She further warned that hoarding or selling the nets is a criminal offense, stressing that the items are provided free of charge to improve public health. “These nets are not for sale. They are critical tools in our fight against malaria and should be used as intended,” she said.
The Commissioner encouraged mothers and caregivers to consistently put children to sleep under the nets, noting that such simple practices significantly reduce illness and hospital visits.
She also announced that a mop-up operation would follow the main distribution exercise to ensure that all households are covered.
The campaign runs from August 1 to 7, 2025, with nets being handed out at selected fixed-point locations. The state has adopted electronic tracking technology to ensure transparency and effective delivery of the intervention.
