Borno Malaria Programme Seeks Media Oversight of 5m ITN Distribution
By Ahmed Ahmed
The State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) has tasked the media with tracking the distribution of five million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Borno to ensure that the commodities reach intended households across the state.
Mr. John Dada, Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) officer, SMEP, gave the charge on Monday in Maiduguri at the 2026 ITN Distribution Campaign Orientation for Media Personnel and Media Parley.
Dada urged journalists to hold stakeholders accountable by monitoring the distribution process, verifying information, and reporting gaps that could undermine the successful implementation of the campaign.
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He described the media as the watchdog of society, stressing that journalists had a responsibility to track the movement of the nets from distribution points to households.
“As watchdogs of society, you have the responsibility of checking how the nets are distributed to households and ensuring that they reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the Borno Government, in collaboration with the Malaria Consortium, had commenced the distribution of five million ITNs as part of
efforts to prevent malaria transmission in the state.
Dada said about 4,200 mobilisation and distribution personnel had been deployed to facilitate effective distribution and ensure coverage of communities across the state.
He also urged the media to provide accurate information to the public, correct misinformation, and promote awareness of the importance of collecting and properly using the nets.
Also speaking, Dr. Goni Ali, Director of Public Health in the Borno Ministry of Health, said the government was taking measures to eliminate malaria through improved waste management, compliance with medication, and intensified public awareness.
Ali said campaigns were also being extended to hard-to-reach communities, while awareness activities were being strengthened in health facilities across the state.
He urged residents to support malaria elimination efforts by keeping their surroundings clean, complying with medical advice, and consistently using ITNs.