Beneficiaries Share Effective Use of ITNs, Laud Yobe Distribution Exercise
By Baba Dan’Iya
Beneficiaries of the ongoing Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) distribution in Yobe State have shared positive experiences on how they utilise the nets and the benefits recorded in their homes.
The exercise, recently flagged off in Damaturu, targets the distribution of more than two million treated nets across the state to curb malaria infections.
Casting the minds of readers back, Yobe had previously benefitted from similar interventions in 2019 and 2021, which contributed to a reduction in malaria-related illnesses among women and children.
A mother of four, Fatima Bukar, said she ensures the net is hung properly every evening before her children sleep. She noted that the consistent use of the nets had reduced mosquito bites in her household.
Ibrahim Saleh, a farmer from Gambir, said he tucks the net firmly under the mattress to prevent gaps. He added that the treated net had improved his sleep by minimising mosquito disturbance at night.
A pregnant woman, Hadiza Talba, said she uses the net daily as advised during antenatal sessions. She explained that the protection offered by the net helps reduce the risk of malaria complications for pregnant women.
Another beneficiary, Zainab Ali of Pawari, said her family takes care of the net by washing it gently and drying it under shade. She noted that the regular use of treated nets had reduced hospital visits for her children.
A shopkeeper, Musa Abdullahi, said he ensures proper room ventilation before hanging the net each night. He stated that the net had significantly reduced mosquito presence, giving him uninterrupted sleep.
Similarly, Rabi Goni from Maisandari said she teaches her children how to handle the net carefully to avoid tearing it. She added that the protection from malaria had improved their school attendance.
The beneficiaries commended the Yobe State Government, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and partners such as WHO, USAID and CRS for sustaining the free distribution campaign.
They appealed for continued periodic replacement of ITNs to maintain progress in malaria prevention across the state.
