05/06/2026
Osun Launches 2026 ITN Campaign, Targets Distribution of Over 2.8 Million Mosquito Nets to Households
By Segilola Babalola
The Osun State Government has officially flagged off the 2026 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) Mass Distribution Campaign, with plans to distribute over 2.8 million mosquito nets to households across the state as part of efforts to reduce malaria prevalence.
Declaring the campaign open on behalf of Governor, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke the Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Moses Akintola , said the initiative marks the commencement of house-to-house distribution of insecticide-treated nets across all communities in Osun State.
The flag-off ceremony was organized by the Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Society for Family Health (SFH) at the Local Government Service Commission, Abere.
Governor Adeleke described the campaign as a critical public health intervention aimed at protecting residents from malaria and sustaining the significant gains already recorded in the fight against the disease.
According to him, over 2.8 million insecticide-treated nets will be distributed across the state, demonstrating the government's commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens.
He noted that malaria prevalence in Osun State has declined from 33.4 percent in 2015 to 12.9 percent in 2025 through sustained investments, improved diagnosis and treatment, community mobilization, and increased use of insecticide-treated nets.
The Governor further disclosed that Osun State has been selected to pilot two innovative public health interventions that could shape future health programmes across Nigeria.
The first innovation is the integration of Tuberculosis (TB) case finding into the ITN campaign, allowing community teams to identify and refer individuals with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis for further evaluation and treatment.
The second innovation is the pilot implementation of school-based insecticide-treated net distribution in Osogbo Local Government Area to strengthen access to nets and promote malaria prevention awareness among school children and their families.
Governor Adeleke through Barrister Akintola appreciated the support of development partners, including the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, Global Fund, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, Society for Family Health, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria for their continued contributions to malaria control efforts.
Earlier, the First Lady of Osun State and Net Ambassador, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke described malaria as one of Nigeria's most common public health challenges, particularly affecting children under five years and pregnant women.
She pledged to intensify advocacy on the proper use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and encourage residents to sleep under them every night as a preventive measure against malaria.
Mrs. Adeleke also reaffirmed her commitment to working with stakeholders to reduce malaria-related deaths, prevent complications among pregnant women, and lessen the overall burden of the disease in the state.
She urged residents to cooperate with mobilizers and distributors by making themselves available at home, providing accurate information, and registering to receive the mosquito nets.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, Global Fund, National Malaria Elimination Programme, Catholic Relief Services, WHO, BASF, and Society for Family Health described the campaign as a vital intervention that will protect families, especially pregnant women and children under five.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for strong leadership, effective coordination, and sustained commitment to achieving malaria control and eventual elimination in Osun State and Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke and all development partners for their support, while highlights of the event included the decoration of Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke as Net Ambassador and the presentation of insecticide-treated nets to the state government.
Dignitaries present at the event included Olori Temitope Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife; the Commissioner for Education,Hon. Dipo Eluwole; Chairman of the Osun Primary Health Care Development Board, Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa; Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello; the State Malaria Program Officer,Dr. Olufemi Oroge; the State Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Oyelere Bukola; the Iyaloja General,top government officials, traditional leaders, and development partners.