USAID Donates 2.2 Million Mosquito Bed Nets to the People of Kogi State

the U.S. government handed over 2.2 million bed nets to
the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for
The United States government also provided an additional

$1.1 million for logistics, including transportation of the
bed nets, community mobilization, and training.
These nets and support for the distribution are a gift from
the American people to the people of Kogi State.
USAID’s Director for Health, Population and Nutrition,
Nancy Lowenthal, said at the event, that the U.S.
government is supporting the efforts of the Government
and people of Kogi to protect the health of all, particularly
the young and most vulnerable members of society. “I
believe that eliminating malaria in Kogi and throughout
Nigeria as a whole is possible if we all work together,” she
emphasized.
Malaria is one of the leading killers of children and a
leading cause of illness in Nigeria, particularly during the
rainy season when the mosquito population increases.
Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net every night
is the best way to prevent malaria. Bed nets put a vital
barrier between people and the mosquitoes that carry
malaria, particularly during the hours from dusk to dawn.
Nightly use of insecticide treated bed nets prevents
infections, which in turn prevents the spread of malaria.
Since 2011, the U.S. government has spent more than
$420 million to control malaria in Nigeria. Over 50 percent
of U.S. government funding for malaria goes into
procuring and distributing insecticide treated bed nets,
malaria diagnostic kits, and malaria medicines. In
addition, the U.S. government supports advocacy and
mobilization to encourage members of the community to
sleep under the bed nets every night, training of health
workers, and test for malaria before treatment.
About USAID: USAID partners to end extreme poverty and
promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing
our security and prosperity. In its partnership with Nigeria,
the United States strengthens social stability through
social services, supports transparent and accountable
governance, promotes a more marketled economy, and
enhances Nigeria’s capacity as a responsible regional and
trade partner.
ng.usembassy.gov