The Oyo State Government has launched an ambitious campaign to distribute 5.6 million Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) across all 33 local government areas, targeting a significant reduction in malaria prevalence which currently stands at 21% in the state.
The commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, unveiled the initiative during a media parley at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Ibadan on Tuesday. The campaign, supported by USAID through the Global Health Supply Chain project, will see 4.9 million nets distributed in the first phase from August 1-7, 2025.
“These nets are not mere commodities but life-saving tools that will protect our most vulnerable populations – particularly pregnant women and children under five,” Dr. Ajetunmobi stated.
The commissioner also outlined a comprehensive rollout plan:
– Pre-Implementation (June 16-July 16): Community mobilization and registration
– Distribution Phase (August 1-7): Door-to-door delivery using digital tracking
– Post-Distribution: Behavior change programs to ensure proper net usage
Residents must present registration slips collected from trained mobilizers (identifiable by blue aprons) between July 10-16 to receive their nets. “No slip, no net,” the commissioner emphasized.
The state has instituted strict monitoring protocols:
– Shared logistics platforms for real-time tracking
– Clustered distribution points for efficiency
– Sanctions for any diversion or misconduct
Dr. Ajetunmobi warned ad-hoc staff that “the government will reward best practices but deal decisively with any fraudulent acts.”
With the theme “Sleep inside a treated net, stay protected!”, the initiative aims to rebrand net usage as a mark of health consciousness rather than poverty.
Meanwhile, governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has committed counterpart funding for the project, which complements ongoing health infrastructure upgrades across the state. Partners including Malaria Consortium and local traditional rulers are supporting grassroots mobilization.
As Oyo joins the global fight against malaria, all households are urged to participate actively in the registration exercise beginning next week.
