Gov Aiyedatiwa advocates use of mosquito net, cautions against misuse

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on residents of the state to cultivate the habit of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to combat malaria, cautioning against their misuse for purposes other than protection from mosquito bites.

The Governor made this call while receiving the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, and West and Central Africa Malaria Consortium in his office on Monday.

He described malaria as one of the most dreaded and life-threatening diseases, lamenting that it continues to claim lives despite being preventable.

“The distribution of these nets is not just about sharing materials; it is about saving lives. Every household must make good use of them. The nets should not be used for fishing or farming but for their intended purpose—protection against mosquito bites.”

He noted that statistics showed a 27 percent malaria prevalence in Ondo State, which he described as worrisome compared to less than three percent recorded in Lagos State despite its larger population. He urged residents to support the campaign by making proper use of the nets, emphasizing that prevention was better and cheaper than cure.

“We must all develop the culture of using mosquito nets. This is a life-saving material meant to prevent infection. Especially those who are more prone to malaria must take it seriously. Only when you sleep under the net will mosquitoes not bite you.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Malaria Consortium and the Ministry of Health for their collaboration on the initiative, assuring that his administration would continue to support all health interventions aimed at safeguarding the lives of the people.

“A healthier population gives government the strength to focus on other areas of development. That is why we must all join hands to ensure malaria becomes a thing of the past in Ondo State”, he concluded.

Earlier, Mr David Oyeleke, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its people, noting that good healthcare is the foundation for effective governance and development in other sectors.

He expressed optimism that Ondo will significantly reduce malaria cases and set a positive example for other states.

Also speaking, Dr Maxwell Kolawole from West and Central Africa Malaria Consortium, disclosed that the current distribution exercise involves the most effective type of net available globally, known as the Dual AI Net, which contains Pyrethroid and Chlorfenapyr. Unlike the nets shared three years ago, this upgraded version was introduced after monitoring the changing mosquito profile in the state, to ensure that the fight against malaria remains effective. He stressed that monitoring and evaluation remain key, as the campaign is not just symbolic but a deliberate effort to eliminate malaria.

Kolawole, however, expressed concern that some residents were misusing the nets for fishing and farming instead of sleeping under them. He appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to intensify public enlightenment to discourage such practices, warning that misuse not only undermines government’s efforts but could also pose harm to individuals.

He emphasized that malaria elimination requires a combination of interventions, calling on both government and citizens to sustain all strategies so that in the near future, malaria will no longer be a public health burden. He also highlighted the dwindling resources from donors, urging all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s distribution meets and surpasses cost-effectiveness targets.

In athendcae were ; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, Chairman, Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Olusegun Ategbole, Permanent Secretary, ministry of Health, Director General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Abiodun Oyenehin, among others.