Gujba Records Steady Progress in ITN and SMC Distribution Campaign
By Ahmed Isah
The Gujba Local Government Area has recorded steady progress in the ongoing distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs, which commenced on Sunday across the council.
Malam Jibrin Ibrahim, the Health Promotion Officer (HPO) of Gujba Local Government, told our Correspondent in Shuwari settlement, Buni Yadi ward on Monday, that the exercise was running smoothly, with encouraging turnout and cooperation from residents.
He said the exercise, being conducted simultaneously with SMC drug administration, is part of the integrated malaria prevention campaign being implemented by the Yobe Government in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and partners, with funding support from the Global Fund.
According to him, community distributors and health teams have been deployed to various wards to conduct house-to-house visits for card issuance and administration of the Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ) combination drug for children under five.
“So far, the process has been smooth and peaceful. Our teams are moving from household to household to ensure full coverage, and the level of acceptance is impressive,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that while the total number of teams could not immediately be verified, multiple distribution and mobilisation teams were actively engaged across Gujba’s communities.
He added that the campaign’s goal was to strengthen malaria prevention through a dual approach — by protecting households with treated nets and providing chemopreventive treatment for vulnerable groups.
The officer said there had been no major logistical or security challenges since the commencement of the exercise, adding that the atmosphere in Gujba remained conducive for uninterrupted field activities.
“Our teams have not faced any difficulty. Communities are cooperating, and the security situation is stable,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that arrangements were also being made to reach hard-to-access areas, either through mobile teams or designated collection points, to ensure equitable distribution across the local government.
A beneficiary in Buni Yadi, Mrs. Aisha Bukar, expressed satisfaction with the process, noting that the distribution was orderly and informative.
“The health workers visited my home, gave me the ITN card, and explained how to hang and use the new mosquito net. They also gave malaria medicine for my two children,” she said.
Another resident, Mr. Abubakar Musa, said community members had embraced the campaign, recognising its health benefits.
“People are turning out in large numbers. We thank the government and partners for this effort, because malaria has affected many families before,” he said.
Our Correspondent reports that the campaign targets thousands of households across Gujba, focusing on pregnant women and children under five, who are most vulnerable to malaria.
Health officials advised residents to air their new mosquito nets under shade for 24 hours before use and ensure nightly usage. They also urged caregivers to ensure children complete the three-day SPAQ dosage after the first supervised administration.
Officials further stressed that active community participation and adherence to malaria prevention guidelines are essential for achieving a malaria-free Yobe.
