Government Set to Distribute 15 Million Mosquito Nets Nationwide in Bid to Eradicate Malaria by 2030

By Editor Last updated Jul 23, 2024

Mosquito Nets — PS Mary Muthoni Muriuki fixing a mosquito-net for Busia resident during a donation event on Sunday

By Shadrack Nyakoe

Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating malaria by 2030.

Speaking at the official launch of mosquito-treated nets in Butula Sub County, Muriuki announced that the ministry is targeting 22 counties with high malaria prevalence, including Busia.

“We aim to distribute 15 million mosquito nets nationwide. So far, 2 million households, encompassing 17 million people, have received nets. In Busia, we will distribute 773,000 nets, benefiting 1,180,000 people,” she said, noting that 230,000 nets have already been distributed in Busia.

Muriuki emphasized that the nets are crucial in the fight against malaria and urged residents to use them properly.

“The nets are provided for free to protect against mosquitos. Please use them for their intended purpose,” she added, aiming to reduce Busia’s malaria prevalence from 38% to zero.

Addressing climate change, Muriuki encouraged residents to plant trees to prevent soil erosion.

She also challenged parents to guide their children better to prevent teenage pregnancies, which hinder education.

She called on the county government to allocate a budget for public sensitization on drug and substance abuse, appreciating community health promoters for registering 7 million households.

Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga stated that the national and county governments prioritize distributing nets to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children under five.

“We aim to reduce malaria incidences and achieve a malaria-free country,” he said.

Mwachaunga highlighted the adoption of digital platforms to enhance transparency in net distribution, using mobile applications and digital mapping to reach even the most remote areas.

Busia County Director of Health, David Mukabi, noted that malaria prevalence in the county is at 39%.

“Forty percent of hospital cases and 13% of admissions are due to malaria,” he said, adding that community health promoters have handled 50% of malaria cases at the community level.