By Hassan Ibrahim
Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has lamented that the treated mosquito nets distributed for the purpose of preventing malaria are now being used for preserving plants and catching fish by farmers and other residents in the State.
Executive Chairman of BACATMA, Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, who made this known Tuesday during a Media Parley on Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) implantation organized by the Malaria Consortium in Bauchi State.
Sambo explained that government distributed the treated mosquito nets to prevent the transmission of malaria especially among children and pregnant women but some beneficiaries refused to utilize the net for the purpose it was given, adding, "out of ignorance some farmers prioritised their plants using the treated mosquito nets to preserve certain crops instead of their children and the rest of family.
"Also some traders, especially those engaged in selling scrap rubber and plastic bottles, use these treated mosquito nets to store their products in Bauchi.”
Sambo said that the distribution of the net was to reduce the scourge of malaria in Bauchi State.
"As we convene this media parley, it is important to recognize the central role of the media in shaping public perception, disseminating accurate information and mobilizing communities. By working together, government, partners, health workers, communities and media we can significantly reduce the malaria burden in Bauchi State and move closer to a malaria-free future," he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Head of Social Behavioral Change of Malaria Consortium, Yahaya Mohammed explained that the objectives of the Media Parley was to build stronger relationship between SMC campaign team and the media with a view to ensure journalists under the purpose, schedule and targeted audience.
Mohammed emphasized that the parley is to equip media representatives with accurate, clear and consistent campaign messages to address misconception and prevent misinformation. Encourage sustained media engagement throughout the campaign period.
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