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Bureau Distributes Mosquito-Nets

The Benshangul-Gumuz State Health Bureau said 130,000 mosquito nets have been distributed for free to residents in the State with a view to preventing malaria.

Bureau Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases Prevention and Control Department Head Idris Alhaji told ENA Tuesday that the mosquito-nets were distributed among 65,000 people residing in lowland areas of the State.

Idris said the bureau has given priority to pregnant women and families with children under five while distributing the nets.

He said the nets were provided by the Global Fund and UNICEF.

Accordint to Idris, the Bureau has also been distributing a new anti-malaria drug known as Artemther-Lumefantrine (Coartem). Awareness raising programmes are also being offered at health institutions and schools on the use of the drug.

Idris said the bureau has sprayed of anti-malaria chemicals on 69,000 houses in 148 kebeles of the State thus preventing over 188,000 people from the disease.

He said the public has drained ponds favourable for mosquito reproduction along 6,000 sq. metres of land.