In an effort to combat malaria, Plateau State is set to distribute over 2.9 million insecticide-treated nets across its 17 Local Government Areas.
The initiative, a collaboration between the global health supply chain, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, the State Malaria Elimination Program, and the Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), aims to reduce malaria transmission within the state.
During a recent advocacy visit to PEPSA, the Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Program, Mr. Ndak Kizito, emphasized the importance of this campaign.
“Together, we are embarking on a vital mission to combat malaria in Plateau State. With the generous donation of over 2.9 million nets from the United States government resident Malaria Initiative, supported by the UK funded Against Malaria Foundation, we are poised to make a significant impact in our fight against this deadly disease.”
Kizito also highlighted the role of vector control in malaria prevention and the collaboration with PEPSA to address environmental factors contributing to disease spread.
According to him, the distribution campaign, which will be officiated by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, is scheduled to kick off on April 12th, 2024.
Team Lead of the ITN Distribution Campaign, Mr. Godson Kingsley, stressed the importance of proper waste management strategies due to the potential generation of substantial waste from the distribution process.
“We have trained and deployed a dedicated workforce to oversee operations in the 17 local government areas, We need to pull this waste together as it can be recycled to produce other materials that are needed.” He stated.
He also noted that collaboration with PEPSA is essential for waste management, with plans to recycle generated waste into other materials.
In her remarks, the Director of Administration at PEPSA, Mrs. Anthonia Matsal Shalwal, expressed readiness to collaborate and underscored the agency’s commitment to environmental management.
Also, the Director-General of PEPSA, Mr. Samuel Dapiya, lauded the collaborative efforts and stressed the importance of waste recycling in mitigating environmental impact.
He assured full support from the agency in managing waste generated from the distribution process, emphasizing the commitment of the government to the health and well-being of Plateau State residents.