Abia State Government, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), is set to distribute three million, thirty thousand Insecticide-Teated Nets (ITNs) across the 17 local government areas of the state.
The distribution, valued at over N1 billion, is part of the present administration’s effort curb malaria-related illnesses and deaths.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, Abia had not conducted a mass distribution campaign for insecticide-treated nets since 2010, adding that the new exercise would help strengthen the state’s fight against malaria.
“Abia State Government through the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the National Malaria Elimination Program on an ITNs campaign project to distribute 3,030,000 treated Nets worth over 1 billion Naira.
“This is part of the activities of the state government to reduce malaria burden and associated deaths.
“It is worthy to note that Abia State has not carried out a mass ITNs campaign in the state since 2010. So this program that is coming up is very, very timely in that regard”, the Commissioner said.
He announced that the Community Supported Health Insurance Program of the Ministry of Health is gaining momentum with the upcoming formal launch of the scheme for Abiriba Community Schedule for the 16th of September 2026.
Prince Kanu noted that 1,000 individuals of Abiriba community will be enrolled in the health insurance program courtesy of the Abiriba Improvement Community.
Prince Kanu urged other community Improvement Unions in the state to replicate same gesture by supporting the enrolment for members of their communities in the health insurance scheme.
” As earlier reported, 1,000 individuals of Abiriba community will be enrolled into the health insurance program.
“Each enrollment for a person is #18,000 Naira, indicating a total investment outlay of #18,000,000 Naira in the first instance.
“As we did report not too long ago, other communities in the state are encouraged to do the same in line with what the Abiriba community is doing”, Prince Kanu advised.
The Commissioner disclose revealed that the total enrolment in the state’s health insurance scheme has risen to 270,739, which he said indicates a growing confidence in the programme among residents.
“To date, 270,739 enrollees have been recorded, indicating a high level of confidence displayed by Amreva citizens and residents in the scheme”, he said.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the recruitment portal for the employment of additional medical personnel for the state’s medical facilities is still open for medical consultants medical officers and dental officers.
He also said no cases of diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox and yellow fever, had been reported in the state during the period under review.
