ONDO ITN CAMPAIGN ENDS WITH ARREST OVER ILLEGAL NET SALE IN AKURE

The just-concluded Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) mass distribution campaign in Ondo State has provided relief for thousands of households but ended on a controversial note, with reports of illegal sales and arrests in Akure South Local Government Area.

The campaign, which lasted eight days and covered all 18 local government areas, was designed to achieve universal coverage by delivering mosquito nets directly to households through door-to-door distribution. Mop-up operations are still underway in some settlements that were initially missed, while clearance and data collation are expected to resume next week, according to a memo addressed to Distribution Hub Supervisors and obtained by RootedScope Media.

However, questions over accountability have emerged after surveillance teams intercepted individuals allegedly caught selling the ITNs, which are meant to be distributed free of charge. The suspects were reportedly found with nets in their original sachets and are now being interrogated by the Nigeria Police Force. Authorities have withheld the suspects’ identities and further details pending investigation.

“My prayer is that they didn’t get it from any of our hubs. If you are found culpable, you will dance to the tune,” the memo warned, reflecting concerns about possible diversion from official channels.

Despite the controversy, many residents say the campaign has already started making a difference.

Mrs. Janet Ilufemiloye, a mother of three from Oba-Ile, said she wasted no time hanging her nets. “Last year, two of my children had malaria twice. The hospital bills drained us. I am so happy with these nets. At least, we can sleep with peace of mind now,” she told RootedScope Media.

For Mr. Sunday Akinwale, a commercial motorcycle rider in Akure, the intervention came at the right time.
“Things are very hard now. If not free, many of us cannot buy mosquito nets. Government should please keep doing this. Malaria is too common in my area,” he said.

Ondo State is one of Nigeria’s malaria-endemic regions. According to the 2023 Malaria Indicator Survey, prevalence remains high, particularly among children under five and pregnant women, who are the most vulnerable groups. The World Health Organization estimates that malaria accounts for thousands of preventable deaths annually in Nigeria and remains a leading cause of hospital admissions.

Health experts argue that insecticide-treated nets are one of the most cost-effective interventions, capable of reducing malaria transmission by up to 50 percent when used consistently. Beyond saving lives, the nets reduce household expenses on treatment, which often push families deeper into poverty.

The ITN campaign in Ondo State, like in many parts of Nigeria, is supported by international donors, including the Global Fund and Malaria Initiative, in partnership with the Federal and State Ministries of Health. Ensuring that the nets reach intended beneficiaries is critical for sustaining donor confidence and public trust.

Cases of diversion and illegal sales have dogged previous public health interventions across the country, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Experts warn that if left unchecked, such practices could undermine future campaigns and weaken the fight against malaria.

Health officials in Ondo have vowed to tighten surveillance across the 18 LGAs to prevent further abuse. They urged residents to report anyone attempting to sell mosquito nets, which are provided free to families.

“Every net hung means one more family protected. We must ensure that no one is denied access because of the greed of a few,” the campaign memo emphasized.

As the campaign winds down, attention is now shifting to accountability and enforcement. While the free nets are already making a positive impact on households, the arrests in Akure highlight the challenges of safeguarding health interventions in a system where leakages remain a persistent threat.

For residents like Mrs. Ilufemiloye, however, the bottom line is simple: “Malaria is killing our children. If these nets can save even one life, then the government should never stop.”