In 2026, the Bauchi State Government plans to distribute five million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to households throughout the region, aiming to drastically curb the spread of malaria.
Adamu Umar Sambo, the executive chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (BACATMA), unveiled this ambitious campaign during a recent press conference in Bauchi. He stressed that widespread access to these treated nets is vital for protecting residents from mosquito bites, the primary vector responsible for malaria transmission.
Reflecting on BACATMA’s malaria control achievements, Sambo highlighted a significant decline in infection rates among children under five years old-from over 70% down to less than 20% as of October 2025.
This substantial progress is largely attributed to the successful implementation of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program, which provides preventive anti-malarial drugs to children during the rainy season, when malaria cases typically peak.
During the most recent SMC drive, BACATMA deployed more than 22,000 temporary workers over five months, reaching nearly two million children and attaining an outstanding coverage rate exceeding 97% within the targeted population.
Beyond malaria, BACATMA has also enhanced tuberculosis control by establishing 93 new diagnostic centers, significantly boosting the state’s ability to detect and treat TB cases promptly.
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On the HIV/AIDS front, Sambo reported encouraging progress, noting that 95% of people living with HIV in Bauchi are now aware of their status-a critical step toward early treatment and improved health outcomes.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his unwavering commitment to healthcare improvements, citing recent investments such as upgraded vehicles and refurbished offices that have revitalized BACATMA’s operational capacity.