By Ishaq Haruna Hardawa
The Bauchi State Traditional Council of Emirs has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the successful distribution of about five million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) across the state.
The Chairman of the Council and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulemanu Adamu, stated this when he received the management of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo.
The visit was part of Agency’s advocacy campaign to mobilise key stakeholders and secure their support for the forthcoming distribution of ITNs across the state.
Dr. Rilwanu Sulemanu Adamu assured the agency that the Emirate Council would utilise its existing structures to sensitise and mobilise the public on the distribution exercise.
He also urged the agency to liaise with traditional leaders at the community level to ensure the smooth and effective distribution of the nets.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of BACATMA, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo, said the Bauchi State Government had concluded arrangements for the distribution of about five million insecticide-treated nets free of charge to residents as part of efforts to prevent malaria.
Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo said the agency would commence house-to-house registration and issuance of cards from 6 to 12 Septembe, 2026.
The cards will be used by beneficiaries to collect the insecticide-treated nets at designated distribution points from 27 September to 3 October, 2026.
The Executive Chairman of BACATMA also informed the Emir that the agency would collect old and used insecticide-treated nets from households for proper disposal.
Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo explained that the distribution of the ITNs is part of the state’s malaria prevention measures, complementing other interventions such as the malaria vaccine and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) programme.
He appealed to traditional rulers across the state to provide maximum support and mobilise their communities to ensure the success of the exercise.
In a separate visit to the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya, the monarch assured the agency of the emirate’s support and cooperation towards the success of the exercise.
Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya emphasised that the traditional institution would continued to play a key role in promoting the health and well-being of the people.
He called on BACATMA to ensure that the ITNs reached the intended beneficiaries.
Similarly, at the Ari Emirate, the Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Auwal Kilishi, said he would direct traditional rulers across the emirate to mobilise their subjects to collect the nets and use them appropriately to protect themselves from malaria.
The Emir advised the agency to ensure that ITNs were distributed before the onset of the rainy season, when malaria transmission typically increases.
He also called for proactive measures to prevent the diversion or siphoning of the nets, which he said had characterised previous distribution exercises.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Duguri, Alhaji Adamu Muhammed III, assured the agency of his full support for the success of this year’s ITN distribution exercise.
Alhaji Adamu Muhammed III urged the agency to engage local vigilante groups, particularly in rural areas, to assist in maintaining order and ensuring a smooth distribution process.
