Anambra Commissioner Denies Interference in Distribution of 3.8 Million Insecticide Nets

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State government on Friday dismissed alleged political interference ahead of the distribution of 3.8million insecticides treated mosquito nets in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike gave the assurance in Awka at a media orientation on insecticide treated nets distribution by the government in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Malaria Consortium (MC) and Give Well Open Philanthropic funding.

Obidike, represented by Head of Department, Public Health and Disease Control, Anaeme Afam said various local government areas in the state were not involved in the process and hence could not be accused of hijacking the process.

He however said such allegations were not unexpected against political office holders.

He also identified security and reaching riverine areas as major challenges it is going to face in the distribution of the nets to residents of the State, adding that certain strategies have been mapped out to surmount the challenges, including engaging people from those zones to take care of the distribution.

Some of such areas are Ihiala, Orumba North, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ogbaru and Orumba South. 

While some of the areas are as a result of security challenges, others will be as a result of their riverine nature, which will make them difficult to access.

He said, “It’s unfortunate to hear that government is interfering in the process, when actually government is propelling it. LGAs, Town unions were not involved in attracting construtum, neither do they know them.

“The rigorous of getting them, providing them with accommodation, enabling environment and other necessary assistance, the LGAs have no contributions. All the stress happened at the state level.

“We know the sacrifices we’re making to ensure a hitchfree exercise, amidst the risks and uncertainties, including getting the governor to release funds for flag off, and got the wife to sleep under the net to showcase to the world as net ambassador. 

“Yet they said government is hijacking the process. Anyway, these are part of the things you get as a political office holder. I consider this as one of those allegations against government.”

According to Obidike, the over 3.8million would be distributed through a door-to-door approach across all the twenty one local government areas of the State.

“Household registration and simultaneous distribution of nets will commence from 7 – 17 August 2022. Households must ensure they have someone at home within this period to collect nets.

“The new collected nets must be aired under a shade for 24hours before hanging and sleeping inside. That’s after the old ones are brought down.

“Part of the strategies in distributing the nets to communities labeled hard-to-reach is that these nets would be distributed by the indigenes who can navigate in those areas. 

“If you see anyone engaged who is not from or residing in those areas, please don’t hesitate to create alert and raise alarm.”