Mr Albert Elama, Head of Administration, Etsako-East Local Government Area of Edo,on Sundaysaid no fewer than 108,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets were set for distribution in the area.

Elama spoke while inaugurating the distribution of free long-lasting insecticide treated nets at Agenebode, the local government headquarters.

He said that the nets were provided free to encourage quality healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

“The treated nets are life-saving ones as they will reduce mosquito bites and diseases in the area.

“Etsako-East places premium on health services as it is an indicator to measure the economic wellbeing of any nation.

“I call on families to be sleeping under the nets in order to be safe from mosquito bites.”

Earlier, the primary health care coordinator of the council, Dr Daniel Dekhina urged the people to fight malaria by using the treated nets given to them.

Dekhina, who described malaria as a “harbinger of poverty and death,” urged individuals to maintain good hygiene by cleaning their environment to keep mosquitoes away.

He said that increased public awareness about malaria would facilitate improved commitment and behavioural change toward its elimination.

“I urge everyone to support the fight in order to eradicate malaria in our homes by sleeping under the treated nets provided by the government.

“There is more to be done to close knowledge gaps around transmission, prevention and diagnosis of malaria.” (NAN)