The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has flagged off the 2023 free Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) mass distribution campaign and the first round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Calabar.
The campaign is held twice a year – May/June and November/December is aimed to reduce child mortality by reducing malaria in pregnant women and newborn babies; ensure that each household has Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a barrier against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
This year, as in most other years, the Insecticide Treated Net campaign is integrated with MNCHW to ensure that in addition to getting the treated nets, expectant women and newborn babies in the State have access to a wide range of health services, immunizations, postnatal and prenatal care, family planning, counseling on nutrition and among other services.
Speaking during the event, Governor Bassey Otu said: “Malaria as we all know is a monster that has been living with us for a very long time. Today, as we speak, someone somewhere is dying of malaria. If we don’t take responsibility, no one will do it.”
Governor Otu who was represented by his Deputy Hon. Peter Odey reiterated the fact that the success of the campaign does not end with the distribution of the nets but that every individual expectant mother and child present must ensure the proper use of the ITNs for a healthier future for Cross River State.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government – Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Head of Service – Mr. Timothy Akwaji, and many other dignitaries.
The exercise featured the investiture of the wife of the Governor, Rev. Eyoawan Bassey Otu as Net Ambassador.
Highlights of the event included the symbolic handing over of an ITN to the Deputy Governor for distribution, Net hang-up demonstration, and a traditional dance troupe.
