Ahead of the flag off of the distribution of over two million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to various households in Kwara state, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam has solicited the prayers and support of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for the success of the programme in the state.
The Commissioner, who led a team comprising the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, Campaign Manager for the ITN/SMC integrated activities, Mr. John Ocholi; and some partners in charge of planning and implementation for the exercise to the Emir’s Palace on Thursday, said the visit was to seek a royal blessing and support.
She said: “Arrangements are in top gear to distribute at least two million and two hundred insecticide treated nets to various households as part of measures to eliminate malaria, which is a killer disease.
“The 2023 edition will be combined with the ongoing Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) – being “an integrated activity for the benefit of all that are resident in the 16 local government areas of the state.”
Representative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, Mallam Bala Mohammed Masu, in his remarks, appreciated the Emir on behalf of the team, and prayed to Allah to grant him long life, resounding health and more accomplishments for the people of the state.
Dr. Sulu-Gambari, in his response, prayed for the success of the campaign, and the safety of the Ministry’s officials, and promised to talk to other traditional rulers in the state to give the programme the necessary backing.
The Emir further enjoined all Kwarans to make good use of “this highly effective intervention brought to our state through the efforts of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for the benefit of our people”.
Other members of the visiting team include the Director of Public Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode; Director Finance and Supply, Deacon Benjamin Olayemi; and Manager Kwara State Malaria Programme, Mrs. Nimota Raji; among other key officers.
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