As Ogun State Government in Collaboration with National Malaria Elimination Programme,NEMP and other Partners set to distribute 3.1 million Insecticide Treated Nets In Ogun State, Here are what you needs to know about the ITN, benefits, Usage why you need it in your household.
BENEFITS OF SLEEPING INSIDE AN INSECTICIDES TREATED NET
-Sleeping inside the net protects you from mosquito that spread malaria
-Sleeping inside the net ensures sound and undisturbed sleep
-It is easier/cheaper to hang the net than to treat malaria
-You gain health, save life and save money when you hang and sleep inside the net.
Note You Air the Net under the shade (not under the SUN) for 24 hours before USE.
- Hang the nets up over your sleeping material which could be a mat or mattress or bed, etc.
- Tuck in the edges of the nets under the mat or mattress ensuring that no space could permit entrance of mosquitoes.
- Repeat this tucking in anytime you happen to leave your sleeping area
- Lie inside the net in your sleeping area and enjoy your sleep free of mosquito bites and/or disturbance
- Do not use the net as a cover cloth or as a wrapper/blanket
- Roll the net up in the morning to prevent tearing and damage
DO I NEED TO SLEEP INSIDE THE NET ALL YEAR ROUND?
- Yes. Malaria transmission is all year round: Sleep inside the net every night.
- Anybody can get malaria any time of the year.
- ITNs are available in hospitals, pharmacies, chemists and markets,
- ITNs are affordable.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TARGETED ITN DISTRIBUTION FOR 2024 IN OGUN STATE
- ITN Distribution will be targeted at berreficiaries who live in rural areas at higher risk of malaria across the 20 Local Government.
- People living in deprioritized communities will not get nets because they have lower risk of malaria transmission
- However, pregnant women and children under 5 who are more susceptible to malaria can get nets from designated health facilities during Ante Nat Clinic/EPI clinc
MY NET HAS AN UNPLEASANT SMELL. WHAT DO I DO?
- The smell is from the insecticide used to treat the net and a few people described the smell as unpleasant.
- The smell does not affect people.
- Ensure that you air the nets under the shade for 24 hours before use.
- The odourwill stop after few days of use
- Keep your windows open for fresh air to reduce the odour
- Better to tolerate the smell which disappears in few days than have malaria
WHERE CAN I USE MY NET?
- Hang the net over any sleeping area; (mat, bed, mattress, floor, field or open space).
ITNs KILL MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 3 YEARS OF USED PROPERLY SUCH AS:
- When dirty wash with mild soap
- Air under the shade to dry after washing
- Wash not more than 4-5 times in a year.
- Mend the nets when torn
CAN MOSQUITOES PASS THROUGH THE HOLES ON THE NETS?
- No! Mosquitoes cannot pass through the holes in the nets. Openings or holes in the ITNs are for proper ventilation. However, it is important that you:
- Tuck in the nets properly in your sleeping area
- Mend your nets when tom
- Replace your nets after 3 years of use and/or after 20 washes
IT FEELS Hot WHEN I SLEEP UNDER THE NET. WHAT DO I DO?
- Keep your windows open for fresh air to reduce heat and Dress lightly
- Feeling of discomfort will reduce as you continue to use the net
- Remember to use your net even if you sleep outside
- When the Net is dirty, wash it in water with a mild soap. Do not wash with Detergents
- After washing, air under the shade to dry
- Wash not more than 4-5 times in a year or 20 washes within 3 years
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NET?
- When the net is tom, mend holes on the net with thread and needle to prevent mosquitoes from entering through the holes
- Replace the net after 3 years of use
