By: Zainab Adam

Stakeholders support the use of Indoor Residual Spraying to knock out malaria
By: Zainab Adam

Borno state government has introduced a new mechanism of reducing malaria through the use of an Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).

This was disclosed at a town hall meeting with health practitioners, journalists, traditional, community, and religious leaders held at Dujima Hotel, Maiduguri.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is preventable and curable.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Programme manager, State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP), Abubakar Dakaba, said the initiative has been tested to be effective for eight month once used.

“Mosquitoes rest on surfaces inside the room. Once we spray this on the wall, it will kill them and other insecticides instantly. The friendly chemical remains active for eight months once applied.”

He warned that foods and other materials in the room should be moved out of a room before spraying the room and moved back into the room after two hours.

Abubakar Dakaba enjoined residents to cooperate with all the workers (sprayers and recorders) during the exercise.

Project Manager for Borno State Network for Health Equity and Development, Dr. Binta Bako acknowledged the diverse inputs proferred by the participants on malaria reduction in the state.

However, based on District Head Information System (DHIS), the IRS will be administered in Four local government areas; Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa and Konduga due to paucity of funds as of now.