In a bid to reduce the prevalence of malaria among boarding school students in Jigawa State, the insecticide-treated net (ITNs) manufacturing company, BASF generously donated mosquito nets to the students of Science and Technical College, Hadejia on Saturday.
During the presentation of the nets, Dr. Jean-Marc Ricca, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Country Cluster, West Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to protecting students from malaria while they are in school.
Dr. Ricca highlighted that this initiative is also meant to support the state government and other partners in their efforts to decrease the incidence of malaria within the state and across the nation.
Dr. Ricca stated, “I am pleased to present 800 ITNs to you as part of our contribution to preventing and curbing the prevalence of malaria, especially during this rainy season when stagnant water and overgrown grasses create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. We will also be retrieving old nets from the students to recycle them for other uses.”
He further emphasized that this initiative would serve as an opportunity for students to learn about recycling and contribute to a cleaner environment.
The mosquito net donation is part of a new initiative called ‘End of Life,’ which involves collecting old nets from communities for recycling.
This component is separate from the main ITN distribution to households in the state. The goal is to promote a cleaner and healthier environment by recycling non-degradable materials like old mosquito nets.
Mr. Ibrahim Lawan, Director of Nature Conservation at the Ministry of Environment, commended BASF for their effort in retrieving old nets for recycling, noting that such materials are not degradable.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Nura Ibrahim, Lawan mentioned that the state government is working in collaboration with NGOs and other partners to recycle non-degradable materials for environmental cleanliness.
Mr. Lawan explained that to maintain a clean environment, these materials are collected and transported to industries for recycling purposes.
Pharm. Rabiu Yakubu, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, also praised BASF for their support in the state’s fight against malaria.
He acknowledged that this gesture would significantly contribute to protecting students from malaria.
Speaking on behalf of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammad Kainuwa, Yakubu urged the beneficiaries to ensure they sleep under the nets to achieve the desired protection against malaria.
Usman Harisu, the Deputy Head Student of the college, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanking BASF for their generous contribution.
This initiative by BASF not only aims to protect students from malaria but also promotes environmental awareness and sustainability through the recycling of old mosquito nets.
