Residents of Kaduna have lauded the state government and partners on the free distribution of insecticidal nets to tackle malaria scourge in the state.
A cross section of the residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna, said the gesture would help reduce malaria cases and financial burden on families.
Maryanne Yusuf, a resident, described the gesture as commendable noting that it would encourage personal hygiene and make life more pleasant for the people.
Another resident, Aisha Nalado, said she was happy with the gesture as it would help reduce financial burdens on families.
“We appreciate the state government for the distribution of the insecticidal nets, this will serve as protection for us at night and also reduces our financial burden in treating malaria.’’
Janet Musa also a resident, said the state government had taken right steps in the distribution of the insecticidal nets to improve the health of the people and urged for sustainability of such gesture.
“I want to appeal to the state government for sustainability of such gesture and not only insecticidal nets, but free vaccines on meningitis, hepatitis etc should also be given to us.”
To Hassana Ahmed, the distribution of the nets was apt, as many people cannot afford three square meals talk less of buying mosquito net.
She urged residents to make good use of the mosquito nets and not misuse it in any way.
Meanwhile some residents in Television, Sabon Tasha, Rigasa, Layin Ado Gwaram and others have complained of being omitted from the distribution.
Samaila Isah, a resident of Layin Ado Gwaram said the nets cards were not given to some of the residents.
Jacob Dickson, a resident of Sabo GRA, also said there was no distribution of insecticidal nets in the area as the officials said the area was not included on their schedule.
“They said they were told to cover only areas that have Maiunguwa (ward head), but we saw the distribution taking place close to us, in Ungwan Dodo.”
Reacting to the complaints, the State Health Educator, Mrs Maryam Kure said the state government would visit areas with such challenges after concluding the ongoing discussion of the nets.
“We are aware of some of the challenges faced by some of the communities, we will collect the remaining nets after the distribution and see how we can reach out to such communities,” she said.
NAN reports that there was good compliance by residents at the collection centres visited within Kaduna metropolis.
A total of 5.2 million insecticidal nets provided by Global Fund are being distributed free to residents across the state.
