The Zamfara government has begun its 2025 mass distribution of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention drugs, aiming to protect 1.2 million eligible children across the state.

The official flag-off ceremony took place on Thursday in Tsafe town, Tsafe LGA. 

This crucial health intervention is being implemented in collaboration with the Zamfara government, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement and Supply Management, with support from the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organisation, among other partners.

According to the WHO, malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries, but it is preventable and curable.

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and using medicines and treatments, which can stop mild cases from worsening.

The SMC campaign involves a door-to-door approach to distribute the preventive medicine to children aged between three months and 59 months during the peak malaria season.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the burden of malaria in Zamfara and improve child health outcomes.

The regional director of Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement, Dinola James, who supported the programme, said that no fewer than 10,000 ad-hoc staff were mobilised for the distribution exercise across the state.

Health commissioner Nafisa Maradun warned against the diversion of the chemoprevention drugs and other materials for commercial purposes.

NMEP national coordinator Nnena Ogbulafor stated that they were committed to eliminating malaria from the state and the country at large.

(NAN)