 across all 33 local government){kind=link}
As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of malaria, the Oyo State Government has launched the distribution of more than five million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across all 33 local government areas of the state.
The initiative is designed to provide protection for residents, especially the most vulnerable—pregnant women and children under five.
The official flag-off ceremony took place at the Idi-Ogungun Primary Health Care Centre located at Agodi Gate in Ibadan North Local Government Area. At the event, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the intervention as a critical public health campaign aimed at drastically reducing malaria transmission in communities across the state.
Dr. Ajetunmobi stressed the importance of proper usage of the nets, calling them more than just ordinary items, but essential life-saving tools. She explained that the ITNs, when used consistently, can serve as a powerful shield against malaria-carrying mosquitoes, which pose a significant threat to public health.
“These nets are not ordinary materials. They are protective gear intended to save lives, especially those of children and expectant mothers. Their consistent use will help prevent sickness, reduce the frequency of hospital visits, and ultimately save lives,” the Commissioner said.
To ensure the success of the exercise, distribution is being carried out at fixed-point delivery locations throughout the state between August 1 and 7, 2025. Advanced electronic monitoring systems have been deployed to guarantee transparency, avoid duplication, and ensure no eligible household is overlooked.
Dr. Ajetunmobi reassured the public that households that miss the initial round of distribution would still benefit through mop-up activities that will be conducted afterward. These follow-up measures are designed to ensure comprehensive coverage, leaving no community behind.
While encouraging proper use, the Commissioner also issued a strong warning against the misuse and illegal diversion of the nets. She condemned the trend of using mosquito nets for purposes like fishing, farming, market displays, or as window covers. “Such practices completely defeat the health objective of this initiative and are punishable under the law,” she warned.
She further cautioned that any individual caught hoarding, selling, or misusing the nets in any form would face legal action, adding that the nets were donated free of charge by the government in collaboration with development partners and should not be exploited for personal gain.
Highlighting the improved features of the nets, Dr. Ajetunmobi noted that the latest ITNs are made from breathable, heat-resistant materials, making them comfortable even in warm weather. She urged beneficiaries to properly install and regularly sleep under them, especially in well-ventilated rooms where their effectiveness is maximized.
In her final remarks, Dr. Ajetunmobi made a heartfelt appeal to mothers and pregnant women across the state, encouraging them to adopt the daily routine of tucking in their children under the nets at bedtime. “This simple act could be the difference between life and death for many children,” she concluded.