2. 6 million mosquito nets to be distributed

The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) at the Ministry of Health in collaboration with international organization Plan Liberia has disclosed here that 2. 6 million mosquito nets are expected to be distributed to citizens across the 15 sub- political division of Liberia in March 2018.

Plan Liberia Deputy head of office Mr. Emmanuel Kono told the media Tuesday, 19 December at Corina Hotel in Sinkor that one of the main reasons why journalists were called to a workshop is to explain to them on the upcoming 2018 mass distribution, saying it is their expectation in March that they would be distributing 2.6 million mosquito nets in the 15 counties.

The one day workshop on malaria prevention brought together Media Executives from both print and electronic media institutions to discuss the importance of malaria prevention.

Mr. Kono says the workshop is expected to provide journalists with the idea of spreading messages on the prevention of malaria to the public in order for them to take malaria prevention with seriousness.

For his part, the Social Behavior Change and Communication Coordinator at the National Malaria Control Program Mr. Daniel Somah says the essence of inviting journalists is to introduce the Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) universal coverage campaign to the media and other relevant institutions in Liberia.

He says it is intended to sensitize and provide insight to media personnel about the campaign strategy so that they understand the processes during their reportorial duties.

They seek the media’s help in providing coverage throughout the campaign, using media outlets that effectively educate and engage women, men, girls and boys from the general public to participate in the upcoming LLIN Campaign and to appreciate its relevance to malaria prevention, among others.

Mr. Somah adds that the objective of the three strategic plan of the NMCP is to ensure that 80% of the population is protected by malaria preventive measures by 2020.

He narrates that since 2007, the NMCP and partners have distributed over four million nets throughout the country, saying in 2015, 2.8 million nets were distributed through a universal mass campaign.

By Lewis S. Teh–Edited by Winston W. Parley