The Federal Government, yesterday announced the commencement of locally produced treated nets by a Nigerian company; Roses Textile Limited.
The locally manufactured treated Net known as DAWA and produced by Chief Nnamdi Orji has three years guarantee before expiration and endorsed by the NAFDAC.
Speaking at the event to mark the World Malaria Day, the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole said local production of insecticide net was necessary to reduce the cost of importing treated nets, adding that proliferation of the nets will also ensure that more people are reached.
He said, “not less than three producers have showed interest in producing long lasting local insecticide treated nets in Nigeria, the product is made in Abba by one of the manufacturing companies in Nigeria.”
Commending stakeholders who have been active in the kick out malaria programme, the Minster also called on Nigerians to collaborate and act on their roles by doing and ensuring that the right thing is done at the right time.
Adewole also disclosed that about six sentinels have been built in the geopolitical zones in a bid to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation, noting that there is need for more sites to be built considering the size of the country.
“An additional fund has been secured from the Global Fund under the New Funding Mechanism for the establishment of six additional sites in the country. Considering the huge size of the country, there is need to urgently establish additional sentinel sites in order to meet the demand of this strategy,” he said.