Malaria: Oyo to begin mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Government has declared its readiness to commence the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) mass distribution campaign across the state as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of malaria among residents.

This was disclosed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the entry meeting held with key stakeholders and development partners to mark the official commencement of the campaign’s implementation phase, which began on Monday.

According to Dr. Ajetunmobi, strategic planning and preparation have been underway to ensure the smooth and effective distribution of ITNs to households across all Local Government Areas in Oyo State.

She further assured that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Board, is committed to delivering a high-quality campaign that meets both technical standards and the expectations of the people.

During her remarks at the meeting, which included representatives from the Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), Dr. Ajetunmobi confirmed that the state is fully prepared for the flag-off of the campaign scheduled for July 31, 2025. The distribution phase will take place from August 1 to August 7, 2025.

She also noted that the Ministry of Health had previously inaugurated the State ITN Campaign Coordination Committee during the planning phase. The committee comprises key stakeholders, including representatives from relevant ministries, security agencies, Ward Development Committees (WDCs), religious and traditional leaders, and implementing partners.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Campaign Manager for GHSC-PSM, Mrs. Patience Ochibe, disclosed that with support from USAID’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), a total of 5.6 million nets have been procured, of which 4.9 million have already been delivered to Oyo State. She added that beneficiaries are expected to present their net cards—issued during the household mobilization phase—at designated distribution points to collect their nets between August 1 and 7, 2025.

As part of preparations for the distribution, key activities lined up for the implementation phase include training of household mobilization teams, media engagement sessions, advocacy visits, macro-level transportation of ITNs to LGAs, and the airing of public awareness messages and jingles across radio and television platforms.