The Katsina government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has launched a campaign to combat the spread of malaria infections.

The campaign was launched on Tuesday in the Mashi LGA, with the distribution of seasonal malaria chemoprevention drugs to eligible children.

During the campaign, insecticide-treated nets were also distributed to residents in the area.

Speaking during the event, the health commissioner, Musa Adamu-Funtua, said the SMC drugs were meant for the prevention of malaria infection in children between the ages of three and 59 months.

Mr Adamu-Funtua said the drugs would reduce morbidity and mortality associated with malaria in the state.

According to him, the 2025 integrated ITN/SMC campaign will be implemented during the first cycle of the SMC, which is scheduled for July-August in Katsina.

The commissioner added that the remaining SMC cycles would be implemented in August, September, and October, which are the peak months for rainfall.

“For a successful implementation of the campaign, Global Funds has delivered 4,823,081 ITNs to the state for onward distribution to the 34 local government areas in the state.

“It has also delivered nine million doses of the sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine/amodiaquine (SPAQ) drug combination, which will be administered to more than 2.2 million eligible children,” he said.

Mr Adamu-Funtua also said that for the successful implementation of the campaign, all personnel had been assigned to cover specific communities in the 361 wards of the state.

He added that commodities and other supplies had also been delivered to all the health facilities that would implement the campaign.

The commissioner commended all stakeholders for their commitment to the fight against malaria in Katsina.

He stated that Governor Dikko Radda was committed to providing quality healthcare and protecting lives and property.

Earlier, the Mashi council chairman, Salisu Kalla, commended the state government for choosing the local government to launch the campaign.

Mr Kalla assured the unbiased distribution of the drugs and mosquito nets to the beneficiaries.

Also, the district head of Mashi, Iyan Katsina, Kabiru Ibrahim, commended the government and other stakeholders for their efforts in addressing malaria infections in Katsina.

Mr Ibrahim called on the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items to encourage more support from the government and other partners.