As part of efforts to reduce the spread of malaria in Nigeria, a construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on Sunday said that it had distributed more than 9,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers in rural communities where the company operates.
It also disclosed plans to distribute over 20,000 of the nets in Nigeria within the next few months, as part of its contribution to the National Malaria Elimination Programme.
The company’s Public Affairs Advisor, Mr. Clement Iloba, who made this known during the distribution of the nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ogiriga and Ogute communities in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, said that over 2,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed to the beneficiaries.
While stating that Nigeria’s childhood mortality and maternal mortality rates stood at 25 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, according to the NMEP, Iloba explained that the provision of the nets was a demonstration of the company’s fight against malaria.
He added that Julius Berger had not only sustained its intervention in the health of its host communities, but also carried out interventions in education and sports.
He said, “Julius Berger is an active stakeholder in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against malaria and it is committed to helping decrease the nation’s mortality rates.
“The Long-lasting Insecticides treated mosquito bed Nets are very effective means to prevent malaria infection because they create a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the vast majority of transmission occur.
“Since the start of Julius Berger Prevention campaign, over 9,500 nets have been distributed and our target is to distribute over 20, 000 in the rural communities we operate.
“Apart from construction, Julius Berger believes in serving the health and education needs of its host communities.”
The clan Head of Ogiriga, Chief Joruba Eshirhame, while commending the company for promoting the health of the residents, pledged the support of the communities in providing a peaceful business atmosphere.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Etsako East LGA, Mr. Abdulmalik Afegbua, expressed the willingness of the council to partner with the corporate organisation to improve rural communities.
Afegbua, who was represented by the Supervisor of Health and Environment, Mr. Barnaba Oshiobo, said, “While I am full of praises for the gesture of the company, I want to appeal to them to continue to support the government because government alone cannot satisfy the yearning and aspirations of the people.”
