By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the Society for Family Health (SFH) and other development partners, has launched the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) Mass Distribution Campaign to intensify the fight against malaria across the state.
The campaign was officially flagged off on November 10, 2025, at Star Exclusive Hotel, Jalingo, and also featured the investiture of the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, as the Malaria Ambassador.
Representing the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Hon. Bonzena reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating malaria, commending partners for their consistent collaboration. He urged residents to collect and properly use the insecticide-treated nets to safeguard their families from mosquito bites.
In a symbolic demonstration, the newly appointed Malaria Ambassador slept inside an insecticide-treated net to prove its safety and effectiveness before officially flagging off the campaign with the distribution of nets to families.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Gbansheya Buma, described malaria as one of the leading causes of illness and death in the state, especially among pregnant women and children under five. He said the campaign aims to ensure that “every household in Taraba sleeps inside a treated net, reducing malaria incidence and saving lives.”
According to the Commissioner, a total of 1,720,044 insecticide-treated nets will be distributed across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas between November 10 and 13, 2025. The exercise will involve 8,752 trained personnel working at 742 distribution points to ensure equitable access.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. John Ocholi, Project Director of the SFH Global Fund Malaria Project, applauded the state government’s leadership and reaffirmed SFH’s commitment to eliminating malaria. “This campaign is not just about distributing nets, it’s about saving lives, protecting families, and strengthening health systems,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Obi, representing Catholic Relief Services (CRS), stressed the importance of community participation in achieving a malaria-free Taraba. “Every net hung is a shield of protection for a household. Together, we can achieve zero malaria in our generation,” he stated.
Representatives from the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), GRID3, and BASF also pledged continued partnership and technical support to sustain progress in malaria control and prevention.
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