By Lawal Merit Ifeoma
Today, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, welcomed the Implementation team of the Integrated Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) campaign for the year 2023. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Fate, Ilorin, marked a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat malaria.
Presenting the report, Mr.Christopher Dangana, Integrated SMC/ITN Campaign Manager from the Society for Family Health (SFH), highlighted the campaign’s success, reporting a remarkable 99% coverage and an 89.5% distribution rate of the 2.3 million ITNs generously donated to the state through the Global Fund grant.
Mr. John Ocholi, Director Technical and Programme for SFH, emphasized the deployment of 7,618 personnel, trained and set to be rewarded for their role in the 2023 SMC/ITN Implementation. He commended the successful flag-off ceremonies, including one with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq demonstrating the use of the Insecticide Treated Net.
In her remarks, Commissioner Dr. El-Imam expressed gratitude to the National Malaria Elimination Programme and implementing partners, recognizing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s critical role in the program’s success. She praised the prompt release of counterpart funds, the governor’s physical presence at the flag-off, and his endorsement of net use.
Dr. El-Imam further lauded the collaborative efforts of multiple partners, including SFH, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the Catholic Relief Services, the World Health Organization, among others. The success of the program, distributing 2,356,624 ITNs and 573,842 SPAQ, was celebrated as a collective achievement.
The debrief session included an interaction with the integrated campaign coordinating network (ICCN), revealing impressive statistics: 504,106 children reached, 104,319 SPAQ 1 administered to children under 12 months, and 469,522 SPAQ 2 administered to children between 12 months and 59 months.
Falade Gbenga Tayo, Press Secretary at KWSMOH, reported on the successful flag-off ceremonies across the 16 LGAs, emphasizing the governor’s symbolic demonstration of net usage and SPAQ administration, reinforcing the safety and acceptance of these vital interventions in the community.
