The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, has flagged off the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign aimed at eliminating malaria from the communities.
Hon Chinye also decorated his wife, Mrs Tina Chinye, as the Net Advocate for Aniocha North Local Government Area as part of the campaign’s requirements.
The campaign, which began on May 26, 2025, will run until May 30, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Hon Chinye, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Clara Nneka Dibia, said the distribution of ITNs was part of his administration’s vision to rebuild Aniocha North Local Government Area with MORE GAINS, aligning with the Delta State Governor’s MORE Agenda.
He mentioned that the campaign included an End-of-Life Insecticide Net (EOLIN) initiative, allowing households to redeem old nets and reduce environmental pollution.
The Council boss revealed that three federal wards, Issele-uku 1, Issele-uku 2, and Onicha-Ugbo, are not targeted for net distribution due to low malaria prevalence, noting that vulnerable groups could access ITNs through Antenatal Care (ANC) and Immunization clinics.
Hon. Chinye urged stakeholders, including Councillors, Royal Fathers, and the Clergy, to encourage families to redeem their nets and use them regularly to prevent malaria.
While congratulating his wife on her appointment as the Net Advocate, the Executive Chairman reminded her that as part of her responsibilities, she would need to consistently create and spread awareness about the benefits of ITNs among the people.
The Council boss also charged the health team to monitor the distribution campaign closely to ensure its success.
Responding to her appointment and decoration as the Net Advocate, Mrs Tina Chinye appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, Delta Ministry of Health, Aniocha North Local Government, and the Roll Back Malaria Partners for choosing her for the role.
She promised to use various channels to disseminate messages on the use of ITNs to protect families from mosquito bites.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Aniocha North Local Health Authority, Dr Anthony Okolo, stated that a total of 70,200 pieces of bednets had been received, with 69,150 already placed in distribution points, and over 340 ad-hoc personnel trained to conduct the distribution campaign, even as he He emphasized the importance of consistent and correct use of ITNs in preventing malaria.
Goodwill messages were received from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and Society for Family Health (SFH).
The highlight of the event was the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to groups and individuals by the Executive Chairman, assisted by his wife.
With the flag-off of the campaign, Aniocha North Local Government takes a significant step towards reducing malaria prevalence and promoting the health and well-being of its citizens.
