Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says the distribution of 3.8 million Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN), to 1.3 million households increased the rate of net use from 27 to 57 per cent in Anambra.
Soludo, Founder, Healthy Living initiative, who was represented by Dr Afam Obidike, state’s Commissioner for Health, gave the statistics at a news conference on Monday in Awka.
She said she accepted to be ITN Ambassador by malaria Consortium to contribute to efforts to control malaria and reduce malaria prevalence in the state.
“As per ITN ambassador by malaria Consortium, over 3.8 million insecticide treated nets were distributed free of charge to 1.3 households in the state.
“This is to protect our families against malaria which is one of the leading killers of children and mothers.
“I’m happy to report that with that partnership, the rate of net use increased in Anambra from 27 per cent to 57 per cent which is above the national average of 37 per cent,” she said.
While highlighting other achievements of her pet project, the Healthy Living Initiative, Soludo emphasised that the health and well-being of residents remain a top priority.
According to her, the initiative has positively impacted the lives of mothers, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and indeed, every community across the state.
“We set up Healthy Living Clubs in 800 schools, promoting wellness among youth statewide. In partnership with the WHO, we offered free cervical cancer screening and treatment for women.
“We distributed multivitamins to over 26,000 elderly people to support healthy aging and to reduce maternal mortality, we supplied hospitals with anti-shock garments.
“With Smile Train, we enabled free corrective surgeries for children with cleft conditions and provided 14,000 packs of Healthy Living Pap to malnourished children.
“We supported flood victims with dignity kits and enrolled 1,000 persons with disabilities into the state’s health insurance scheme.
“We promoted food security through 15,000 hybrid seed packs for home gardening and upheld menstrual dignity by establishing pad banks in 350 secondary schools,” she said.
Soludo said she also forged a strategic partnership with First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu via the Renewed Hope Initiative to expand opportunities for residents in the state.
She however, urged residents to support the continuity of the progress by voting Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in the Nov. 8 governorship election.
“Let us say yes to continuity and yes to more healthy living for all. Together, we can achieve more and build a healthier and stronger Anambra,”Soludo said.
