From Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
The Zamfara State Government has commenced the distribution of insecticide mosquito nets through the ANC and routine immunization channels across the health facilities in the 14 local government areas of the state.
The flagg off ceremony was held at Dr. Karima WCWC Hospital Tudun Wada Gusau, Zamfara State capital on Wednesday.
Commissioner for health, Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, said the distribution of insecticide nets will take place at tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare facilities across 147 wards in the state.
“The nets will be given to all pregnant women on their first antenatal visit and children who have completed their immunization schedules (PENTA3).
Similarly, the nets were prepositioned at all antenatal care and Immunization centres in the health facilities and are free, “she added”
Dr. Anka warned all parties involved in the implementation process to properly follow the guidelines and ensure that only the targeted and intended group of individuals benefit from the gesture.
The Commissioner also encouraged wards and Facilities’ Development Committees to support this intervention in order to ensure total compliance throughout the net distribution exercise.
Earlier, the Director Public Health, Dr Yusuf Abubakar Haske, opined that the intervention will improve the state routine immunization coverage as well as state ANC attendance that ultimately ensure good maternal, neonatal and child health outcome.
“We will use ANC and Immunisation service data to guide the distribution and implementation at all levels during the exercise,” Dr. Haske has stressed.
The strategy as according to Dr. Haske, if fully implemented and sustained will reduce state maternal and child mortality rate.