Kogi Ministry of Health, Malaria Consortium Begin Preparations for Statewide ITN Distribution Campaign

By Rotimi Odofin

The Kogi State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Malaria Consortium, has commenced preparations for the statewide distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) with a two-day Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) sensitisation workshop designed to ensure the success of the campaign across the state’s 21 local government areas.

The workshop brought together Social and Behaviour Change Officers, Local Government Mobilisation Officers, Civil Society Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations, media practitioners and other key stakeholders to strengthen community mobilisation strategies ahead of the mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets to households across Kogi State.

Speaking during the workshop, facilitators described insecticide-treated nets as one of the most effective and affordable interventions for preventing malaria, stressing that increased public awareness and proper utilisation remain critical to reducing the disease burden.

The participants were equipped with communication and community engagement skills to mobilise residents, educate households on the importance of sleeping under treated nets every night, and ensure the seamless distribution of the nets to intended beneficiaries.

The workshop also emphasised the need to discourage the misuse or diversion of the nets for unintended purposes, noting that the overall success of the campaign depends largely on community participation, ownership and sustained behavioural change.

Delivering an overview of the Social and Behaviour Change Emergency Response (SBC-ER) Plan for Kogi State, Dr. John Dada, an SBC Specialist, underscored the strategic role of effective communication in achieving universal coverage and proper utilisation of insecticide-treated nets.

According to him, SBC officers constitute a critical link in the distribution process by providing accurate information, addressing misconceptions, mobilising communities and ensuring beneficiaries understand the health benefits of consistent use of the nets.

Dr. Dada noted that strategic communication would not only reduce malaria prevalence but also prevent the diversion of distributed nets while promoting their proper use at the household level.

He further urged participants to collaborate closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community influencers and other stakeholders to ensure that key campaign messages reach every community and that behavioural change interventions remain sustainable beyond the distribution exercise.

Participants at the workshop pledged renewed commitment to deploying their various communication platforms and community networks to support the campaign and ensure widespread acceptance and utilisation of the insecticide-treated nets.

The statewide ITN distribution campaign is expected to commence shortly across all 21 local government areas, with the Kogi State Ministry of Health and Malaria Consortium expressing confidence that the exercise will significantly strengthen malaria prevention efforts and improve public health outcomes across the state.