By Umar Usman DUGURI.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr. Sani Mohamed Dambam, shed more lights on the Distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets across Bauchi State as part of proactive measures to control the spread of malaria and other related diseases which is on the raising spate during the raining season.
Dr. Sani says, “So far Governor Bala Mohamed has succeeded in containing the spread of malaria timely which was part of his promised to the people of the State”. Therefore, “in our part as Head of the Agency saddle with the responsibility have put in place a unique strategy that aid in timely and adequate distribution to almost every household in Bauchi State, this is why the cases of malaria will drastically reduce to the minimal ebb.
The Chairman further commended the Governor for consistent support to the Agency since assumption of office as Governor of the State in 2019 to date in all areas of development, ranging from the welfare of staff and funding for carrying out its daily activities. Similarly, in the last four years, Governor Bala Mohamed, has significantly change the fortune of the State in the areas of controlling the spreads of viral diseases and other infectious ones which accorded him the National Award as best performing Governor in the Northeast for declaring state of emergency in the Health Sector soon after assuming office.
It was learnt that, last week, the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) and its Partners implementing 2023 ITN Distribution Campaign (GHSC-PSM and BA-N), met and reviewed the just concluded exercise which was conducted simultaneously with the SMC in the State.
It is gratifying to note that; the exercise was a huge success despite some pockets of challenges in some areas. The preliminary reports indicated that over 4 million nets (above 95%) were successfully distributed to the good people of the State from nooks and crannies of the state across the all strata of life.
However, the Agency (BACATMA) says “there was still some few cases of delays in commencement, distribution, chaos, theft, shortages and violence but with no loss of life. These challenges were considered mild and expected when carrying out a large-scale intervention like this one. Similarly, the campaign was a success when compared with the 2010 campaign which resulted in loss of seven 7 lives and serious violence. The Agency in collaboration of relevant stakeholders have already addressed most of these challenges.
In order to strengthened good amity, the Agency and its partners thank Governor Bala Mohamed, his wife First Lady who is also the Nets Ambassador and all members of the Executive as well as the Legislative Arms of the Government and the local government councils and religious leaders for their cooperation and supports.
Dr. Sani, recalled with delight that the State had emerged as the best performing State in the 2022 SMC Implementation IN THE country. He equally declared Bauchi State a secured place for everyone, devoid of contagious diseases.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman appeal to the good people of the State to use the Nets appropriately and rally round the Governor’s lofty Developmental Programs which, BACATMA is one of the examples that compliments the goals of the Governor especially in ensuring prompt and timely service to humanity.
