By Daniel Dauda, Jos




The plateau state government is set to start the distribution of over two point five million long lasting Insecticide nets to protect its citizens from malaria.

The governor of plateau state, Simon Bako Lalong stated this at the Flagg off distribution of the nets in Jos

The state government in collaboration with the federal ministry of health and the US President's malaria initiative and other partners are to offer free malaria services in about two hundred and fifty five health facilities across the seventeen local government areas of the state.

As part of the free offer is a week long distribution of the long lasting insecticidal nets which is to cover the seventeen local government areas simultaneously.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy,prof.Sonni Tyoden noted that the Flagg off of the nets distribution also marks the celebration of the decline of malaria due yo the successful implementation of the net campaign and utilization in the state.

He warned the beneficiaries of the nets not to sell the free nets as anyone caught will be punished.

Also speaking, was the mission Director USAID/Nigeria Mr Stephen Haykin who was also represented by the USAID/Nigeria regional legal officer,Jonathan Cone,said USAID Nigeria and other partners has supported plateau state with life saving malaria commodities such as drugs for preventing malaria in pregnant women and children, rapid diagnostic test kits and the rest.

Speaking earlier, the plateau state commissioner for Health, Dr.Nimkong Ndam,mentioned that despite the achievement of the ministry,they are faced with challenges which has affected their capacity to achieve their targets,such as yellow fever, lassa fever and cholera.

Highlights of the occasion was the investiture of the wife of the governor, Regina Lalong as net ambassador and the symbolic presentation of nets by the deputy governor.