by Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has on Friday flagged off the integrated 2023 distribution of free House to house insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to contain the spread of malaria in the state and the first round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Channels View Hotel, Calabar, which also had other partners in attendance, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), and Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the governor, ably represented by His deputy, Hon Peter Odey observed that malaria had become a major public health concern, especially as it is one of the leading causes of maternal and child deaths in the country.
He used the opportunity to show appreciation to the US government for supporting the malaria campaign in the state, through its implementation partners, stressing that the state will do all it can to fight malaria.
While thanking the state team for making her the Net Ambassador for the 2023 ITN Campaign, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu called on Cross Riverians to adopt and practice consistent Net use, adding that she will thrive to mobilize support in providing an enabling environment for malaria programs to be implemented.
“There is a need for people to adopt and practice consistent and correct net use by sleeping inside the net every night. It is with great pleasure and an even greater sense of responsibility that I hereby accept the role of net ambassador for the 2023 ITN Campaign.”
“As net ambassador, I pledge to be a role model of correct and consistent usage of the ITN and will thrive to mobilize support in providing an enabling environment for malaria programs to be implemented.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, of Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr. Pauline Obute expressed gratitude to partners for making frantic efforts in supporting and improving the health status of the indigenes and residents of the state.
Highlights of the flag-off ceremony included a dance display by Traditional Dance Troupe, a Net hang-up demonstration by the Demand Creation Team led by Dr. Olusola Adeoye, and goodwill messages by partners, amongst others.
Some of the dignitaries that witnessed the event include representatives from the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), USAID Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, WHO, UNICEF, Nutrition International, Vitamin Angels, Zipline, Center for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) Coordinator, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, State Health Educator, Cross River State Ministry of Health, Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Etim Effiong Ayi, among other top government functionaries.
