The Society for Family Health (SFH) has once again appointed Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, as the ‘Ogun Net Ambassador’ for the period from 2024 to 2027.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the reappointment aims to drive the upcoming statewide distribution of insecticide-treated nets, scheduled for November 18 to November 27, 2024.
Salako-Oyedele, who was first decorated as the ambassador in 2021, accepted the role with appreciation during a brief ceremony held at her office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Expressing gratitude to the SFH for recognizing her commitment and to Ogun State for being selected as the campaign’s kickoff point, the Deputy Governor pledged full support for the initiative, reiterating the administration’s resolve to partner with donor agencies in the fight against malaria.
“The campaign is a critical intervention that addresses the alarming mortality rates among children under five while reducing malaria incidence across the state,” Salako-Oyedele stated.
“Our commitment to this campaign must be absolute, ensuring we achieve maximum impact.
“As the ambassador, I am ready to work closely with our partners to fulfill this vital mission. I commend our state health team for setting a standard of excellence for others nationwide,” she added.
The Deputy Governor also emphasized the need for proper disposal of used nets to prevent environmental hazards and reduce mosquito breeding, highlighting the administration’s commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare practices.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, also spoke at the event, noting that Ogun State’s success in the initial campaign, which distributed 3.7 million nets in 2021, positioned it to launch the next phase.
However, she pointed to challenges in net utilization rates among children under five as a significant barrier to malaria prevention.
“Data presented in Abuja revealed that many children under five in Ogun still do not sleep under nets, contributing to higher mortality rates, while other indicators remain low. This shows an urgent need for intensified efforts,” Dr. Coker remarked.
SFH Project Director, Phar. Dangana Christopher, lauded Ogun State’s achievements in reducing malaria, noting the state’s top performance among the 15 campaigns held nationwide.
He further requested the Ogun government to release its team to assist with a similar campaign in Delta State next year, underscoring Ogun’s role as a model for malaria control initiatives in Nigeria.
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