Fune Chairman Commends ITN Distribution, Lauds Partners’ Support
By Ahmed Isah
The Chairman of Fune Local Government Area, Alhaji Baba Goni Bade, has commended the ongoing distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) in the area, describing it as a significant step toward eradicating malaria in Yobe.
Bade told our Correspondent in Damagum that the campaign, which targets more than 5,000 households, demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise and lauded the Yobe State Government and development partners for their collaborative efforts in promoting healthy living across communities.
“The distribution of mosquito nets and administration of malaria prevention drugs reflect the strong commitment of the state and its partners to improve public health and reduce malaria-related deaths,” the chairman said.
Bade explained that Fune, being the largest local government area in Yobe with 851 different communities, requires special consideration in the ongoing campaign.
He emphasised that while equity in resource allocation is important, there should be a stronger focus on need-based distribution to ensure that every deserving community receives adequate coverage.
“Given the vastness of Fune, equitable distribution alone may not be sufficient. What we need is fairness based on need, so that no community is left out of this life-saving intervention,” he stated.
The chairman said the ITN campaign is being implemented under the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) with funding support from the Global Fund and technical assistance from the Malaria Consortium.
He noted that community distributors, health workers, and volunteers were working tirelessly to ensure every eligible household receives its ITN card and that residents participate fully in the campaign.
“I am pleased with the level of cooperation from our people. The turnout is encouraging, and it shows growing awareness about the importance of malaria prevention,” he added.
Bade urged residents to present their old mosquito nets during collection for proper replacement and disposal, stressing that the gesture would promote environmental hygiene and accountability.
He advised beneficiaries to air their new nets under shade for 24 hours before use and to ensure that every family member sleeps under the net nightly.
The chairman also reiterated the council’s continued support to the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board in ensuring that all households in Fune are covered.
Earlier, the Local Government Health Promotion Officer, Malam Garba Audu, said the exercise began as scheduled, with community distributors visiting homes to issue ITN cards as part of the statewide integrated malaria prevention campaign.
Audu added that over two million insecticide-treated nets would be distributed across all local government areas, while the final cycle of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs — Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ) — would be administered through door-to-door visits.
He advised caregivers to ensure their children complete the three-day malaria prevention regimen and urged residents to support health workers to achieve a malaria-free Yobe.
