Strategic deployment of Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) every three years, a key vector control approach advocated by The Global Fund Malaria, is pivotal in reducing malaria prevalence in Nigeria. The comprehensive ITN distribution campaign took place from June 11th to August 2nd, 2023, encompassing a range of activities. These activities included the training of campaign personnel, meticulous positioning of ITNs at Distribution Hubs, initiatives to raise awareness and demand, engagements with stakeholders, diligent monitoring of household ITN distribution, comprehensive surveys at the campaign’s conclusion, and the seamless management of ITN reverse logistics. The campaign’s outcomes were subsequently presented to the state government.
This initiative was carried out with support from the Global Fund, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), targeted 3 states in Nigeria, including Osun State, for a large-scale replacement of treated nets in 2023. The distribution operation was executed by the Society for Family Health, Nigeria (SFH), in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Health.
In a bid to effectively alleviate the burden of malaria within the state, an extensive door-to-door distribution campaign for ITNs was launched on July 5th, 2023, across Osun State. The campaign was a concerted effort targeting every household within the 30 Local Government Areas. The distribution was executed through a streamlined single-phase, house-to-house strategy, employing the expertise of 1181 Mobilization and Distribution Teams (MDT). To facilitate efficient access and distribution, 1181 distribution hubs/stores were established throughout the state.
The impactful Osun 2023 ITN distribution campaign, conducted between June 11th and August 2nd, 2023, successfully reached a substantial population. A total of 6,781,740 residents spanning 1,227,125 households across the 30 Local Government Areas were provided with 3,576,008 Insecticide Treated Nets. SFH, operating as a Sub-recipient of the CRS on the Global Fund grant, expertly managed the distribution process. CRS played a pivotal role by deploying 2,677 mobile devices to register and mobilize households using ICT4D technology, while NMEP provided essential oversight.
The success of the ITN campaign was underscored by its impressive 97% distribution coverage, aligning seamlessly with Micro-planning forecasts. This achievement was a result of meticulous planning, efficient execution, and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved.
More than 3.5 Million Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) Distributed by Osun State and Partners ~ A Concerted Effort to Combat Malaria
