ATM Network, SMEP Seek Support For Massive 2.8 million Net Distribution In Cross River

Ani Bassey,

 Calabar 

The AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Networks and the Cross River State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) have called on private sector organisations, traditional and religious leaders to support the upcoming mass distribution of 2.8 million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) in the state.

The appeal was contained in a joint advocacy brief presented to principal officers of selected financial institutions in Calabar by Effiong Udobong, State Coordinator of the Civil Society on Malaria (ACOMIN) and members of the ATM Networks.

The ATM Networks, comprising ACOMIN, the TB Network and the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), is implementing the Global Fund GC7 Integrated Community-Led Monitoring project with the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN).

According to Udobong, malaria prevalence in Cross River dropped from 77 per cent in 2019 to 53 per cent in 2024, based on PMI-S/MSH data, but there has been no further reduction since the exit of the PMI-S project. He said the current DHIS2 report shows an increase in severe malaria cases among children under five, pregnant women and the general population.

He attributed the trend to poor management of uncomplicated malaria, poor attitude to preventive measures and lack of ITNs since the expiration of nets distributed in the last campaign.

The SMEP Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation Officer, Amayo Effiong, said the United States Government has donated 2.8 million nets for distribution in the state, noting that ownership and proper use of the nets cannot be achieved without support from the private sector and community leaders.

She said malaria remains a critical public health challenge, with 50 to 60 per cent of hospital outpatients being malaria cases.

The State Programme Officer, Victor Ogwuche, emphasized the need for counterpart funding and support for posters, flyers, jingles, banners, flag-off events in 18 LGAs and media appearances.

Deputy Coordinator of TB Network, Solomon Agbor, said support from banks through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would sustain the fight, while Sunday Eminue of NEPWHAN said partnership would ensure the nets get to all families across the 18 LGAs, 196 wards.