“We Can Now Sleep Without Fear” – Thousands Get Free Nets In Iwo, Irewole, Ayeedade, Ede North, Ife North, Egbedore LGAs
•As Residents Thank SFH, SMEP, Others
Thousands of residents in communities across Iwo, Irewole, Ayedaade, Ede North, Egbedore, and Ife North Local Government Areas have benefited from the recently concluded distribution of free Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Tuberculosis screening in Osun State.
The exercise was organised by the Society for Family Health (SFH) in partnership with the Osun State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Global Fund and other malaria partners.
The exercise was part of a statewide campaign that led to the distribution of 2,897,443 ITNs to households across Osun.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that the Logistics Advisor for the campaign, Pharm. Simeon Ibvori said that the new nets replaced those distributed in 2023 and were targeted at rural wards with a higher malaria burden.
“A total of 2,897,443 ITNs were distributed across Osun. Our objective was one net for every two persons. This is done every three years. After collecting the nets, residents must air them under a shade for 24 hours before hanging and sleeping inside. The nets are free and must not be sold,” Ibvori said.
During the house-to-house distribution of the nets in the local governments, health workers also screened residents for tuberculosis symptoms to reduce dual health burden in the communities.
READ ALSO
•Osun Modulated Salary Of 2015: What Was New, What Had Changed And Why It Matters
•Osun Flags Off 2026 ITN Campaign, Targets Distribution Of Over 2.8M Mosquito Nets To Households
The health workers also enlightened the beneficiaries on what to do before using the Insecticide Treated Nets.
One of the beneficiaries in Iwo, Mrs Folashade Adekunle, a trader at Oja Oba, lauded the donors and promised to make good use of the nets.
“My household of six was given nets. Before this, my children suffered malaria, and I spent money on drugs.
“I am happy that we got the net, and once we start using these new nets, I believe the issue of mosquito bites at night will disappear, and my family will be healthier.
“I am grateful to the health workers and the donors. May God bless them for remembering poor people.”
Mrs Rukayat Olayiwola, a resident at Oke Gada area of Ede North, said, “I received the nets for my family. The timing was perfect because mosquitoes are plentiful during this rainy season. Our old nets from 2023 were torn. Apart from the nets, the tuberculosis screening was very important.
“I want to thank the Osun State Government, Society for Family Health (SFH) and all partners. This is how government should reach the grassroots.”
Another resident of Ede, Mukaila Abiodun, said the free distribution of the nets has given residents who cannot afford to buy nets the opportunity to stay healthy.
“I can say that almost every house has nets in Ede. In our area, many people cannot afford to buy nets. Now we have them free. The health workers also taught us how to air the nets for 24 hours and how to hang them properly,” Abiodun said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
