The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 5,000 long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to rural communities in Imo State as part of efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
The exercise, launched under the National Health Fellows Programme, took place on Friday at Mgbidi, in Oru West Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, the National Health Fellow representing Oru West, Ms. Ruth Chukwumereze, said the initiative also marked the beginning of a maternal and child health awareness campaign against malaria in the area.
Chukwumereze noted that the programme was approved by President Bola Tinubu and is being coordinated by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate, to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services in rural communities.
She explained that the distribution aimed to curb malaria, “one of the leading causes of anaemia, pregnancy complications, low birth weight, and child mortality.”
“We are educating pregnant women on the importance of early antenatal visits,” she said. “Many wait until six months before their first clinic appointment, which is risky and avoidable. We are also emphasising the proper use of these nets, environmental cleanliness, and other preventive measures against malaria.”
Chukwumereze expressed concern that some beneficiaries in the past had sold the nets, urging mothers to use them as intended.
“Malaria is deadly. We have seen children shaking from severe malaria and pregnant women hospitalized because of it,” she said. “I advise all pregnant mothers and mothers of children under five to use these nets and keep their surroundings clean.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oru West LGA, Mr. Ikenna Adikibe, commended the Federal Government for prioritizing rural health, describing maternal and child health as “the foundation for the wellbeing of every community.”
Adikibe reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare facilities and ensuring residents have access to essential services.
“Our mothers and children are the heart of every community. When they are healthy, our homes and our future are secure,” he said. “This programme is a direct step towards reducing preventable deaths in our villages. I encourage our mothers to use the nets, attend antenatal care early, and ensure their children are immunized.”
He pledged that the local government would continue to partner with health workers, community leaders, and development partners to improve healthcare delivery across the area.
Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of Mgbidi Health Centre, Mrs. Vivian Okoroji, lauded the initiative, noting that the mosquito nets were highly needed in the community.
“Our women have been asking for mosquito nets. Today, they are happy. We thank President Tinubu, our local government chairman, and Governor Hope Uzodimma for making this possible,” she said.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Chioma Chukwudimaka, expressed gratitude to the federal, state, and local governments, promising that the nets would be properly used.
“Mosquitoes have really dealt with us here. We are grateful for this help and will use the nets to protect our children,” she said.
The event also featured health education sessions on antenatal care, child immunisation, environmental sanitation, and general disease prevention.
The initiative, which will continue across all primary health centres in Imo State, is part of the National Health Fellowship Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health. The programme deploys trained public health professionals to all 774 local government areas in Nigeria to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes at the grassroots.
