By Chris Chikelue
The Ministry of Health Anambra State in partnership with one of its Partners, Malaria Consortium has advised people of the state on the proper use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN).
This is as a fallout of the people using the medically treated mosquito nets for their farms, conveyance of plastic water and soft drink bottles to recycling depots and the use of it as window blinds.
While speaking on the subject, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm (Dr.) Obiageli Uchebo said that the Insecticide Treated mosquito Nets are for the use of humans at home, especially in the bedroom to guide against mosquito bites which can cause malaria and Nymphatic Phylariasis also known as elephantiasis.
She said the cost of procuring and maintaining a single net is very high and could be placed at ₦5000 each yet, it is given out freely with the aim of assisting the people to combat malaria and stay healthy but most of the populace do so much to rubbish the efforts of the government and health workers by using them in their farms.
Mr. Patrick Folorunsho, a member of the Consortium also urged the people to desist from using the chemically treated nets in their farms, saying that the chemicals the items are carrying are not good for farm produce vis-a-vis mixing up with the food that people will eventually eat.
He said the nets should be used solely for the purpose they are meant for. “If the people are using these mosquito nets as advised by health workers they will not be getting infected with malaria.
“The nets have been laden with special chemicals which will kill the mosquitoes once they get in contact with these nets; you can now understand what will happen to the humans if they use these nets otherwise, especially in their farms or around food items.
“You are supposed to follow the instructions given at the point of delivery of the nets; they are to be washed and hung outside in the sun for 24 hours before using it at home”.
Mr. Okechukwu Ezike, the Integrated Vector Management Officer, Ministry of Health, Anambra State also lent his voice in advising the people to sleep inside the nets to prevent the bites of the female-Anopheles mosquitoes and desist from using them in their farms and elsewhere other than for the protection against the bites of mosquitoes.
Chris is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
