Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Government has assured the people of the state that there would be equitable distribution of mosquito-treated nets in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, gave the assurance in Awka at a media orientation on insecticide treated nets distribution by the government in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Malaria Consortium (MC) and Give Well Open Philanthropic funding.
Speaking at the event, Obidike, represented by the Head of Department, Public Health and Disease Control, Afam Anaeme, said there would be no case of political interference in the exercise.
According to Obidike, over 3.8 million mosquito- treated nets would be distributed through a door-to-door approach across all the twenty one local government areas of the State.
“Household registration and simultaneous distribution of nets will commence from 7-17 August 2022. Households must ensure they have someone at home within this period to collect the nets.
“The newly-collected nets must be aired under a shade for 24 hours before hanging and sleeping inside. That’s after the old ones are brought down.”
On plans to distribute the nets to communities labeled hard-to-reach, the Commissioner said, “part of the strategies is that these nets would be distributed by the indigenes who can navigate in those hard-to-reach areas.
“If you see anyone engaged who is not from or residing in those areas, please don’t hesitate to raise alarm.”
Obidike also urged the people to disregard fears of any possible hijacking of the programme by political office holders, noting that various Local Government Areas in the state were not involved in the process, hence, could not be accused of hijacking the process.
“It’s unfortunate to hear that Government is interfering in the process when actually Government is propelling it. LGAs, Town unions were not involved in attracting Construtum, neither do they know them.
“The rigorous process of getting them, providing them with accommodation, enabling environment and other necessary assistance, the LGAs have no contributions. All the stress happened at the state level.
“We know the sacrifices we’re making to ensure a hitch-free exercise, amidst the risks and uncertainties, including getting the Governor to release funds for flag off, and got the wife to sleep under the net to showcase to the world as net ambassador.
“Yet they said Government is hijacking the process. Anyway, these are part of the things you get as a political office holder. I consider this as one of those allegations against Government.”
