Oyo State has launched a large-scale distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to households across its 33 local government areas, aiming to curb the spread of malaria, a major public health challenge in Nigeria.
The campaign, which kicked off on August 1, 2025, in Ibadan, is part of a collaborative effort between the Oyo State government, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and international partners like the Global Fund and UNICEF to achieve universal ITN coverage and reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, announced during the flag-off ceremony at Mapo Hall that approximately 2.5 million long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) will be distributed free to households, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to ensuring a healthier Oyo State. Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, but with these nets, we aim to protect our people and drive down cases,” she said.
The distribution, running from August 1 to August 7, involves trained volunteers going door-to-door to ensure proper allocation and educate residents on net usage and maintenance.
The campaign emphasizes the use of dual-insecticide nets, combining pyrethroids with chlorfenapyr to combat rising pyrethroid resistance among mosquitoes, a growing threat to malaria control efforts in Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organization, such nets have improved malaria control by 20-50% in areas with insecticide resistance.
The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, led by Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, has ensured robust logistics, including digital tracking of net distribution to prevent diversion and ensure transparency.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, with community leaders like Chief Rasheed Oladele of Ibadan South-West urging households to use the nets consistently.
“We’ve seen children and pregnant women suffer from malaria. These nets are a lifeline,” he said.
The state government also plans to integrate this campaign with other malaria prevention strategies, including free diagnostic testing and treatment at primary health centers.
This distribution follows the success of similar campaigns in states like Akwa Ibom, which distributed 3.7 million nets in 2022, contributing to a national decline in malaria prevalence from 23% to 22%, according to NMEP data.
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