Gov Fintiri Flags Off Integrated Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, ITN Campaign

Governor Anmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has kicked off the 2026 integrated seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaign.

Over 1.150 million residents are expected to benefit from 2.583 million treated mosquito nets, while 4.5 million antimalarial doses of medicine were procured for children aged 3-59 months.

In her speech, the state deputy governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, said the event marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to combat malaria.

She said the disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly among children under five years and pregnant women.

Farauta said malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the government recognised the devastating impact of the disease on families and communities and continued to prioritise effective and sustainable interventions.

“The success of malaria control efforts relies heavily on strong partnerships.

“I wish to sincerely acknowledge and commend our implementing partners, Society for Family Health (SFH), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), for their unwavering support and collaboration.

She said the partners have played critical roles in supporting malaria prevention and control in Nigeria through interventions such as insecticide-treated net distribution, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, health systems strengthening, and community.

She urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, healthcare workers, and the media to support this initiative through mobilisation and awareness-raising.

“To our mothers and caregivers, I urge you to ensure your children receive all doses of the SMC medicines and that your households consistently use the insecticide-treated nets provided”.

The deputy governor commended the National and State Malaria Elimination Program, frontline health workers, and all partners for their dedication and commitment.

“As a government, we remain resolute in strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring a malaria-free Adamawa State.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chubado Mohammed, and the Executive Chairman of Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), Dr Suleiman Saidu Bashir, commended the federal and state governments for the initiative aimed at improving health outcomes.

The Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Program, Benjamin Nashon, lauded the state government’s efforts to eliminate malaria.