Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki has expressed the government’s commitment to eradicating malaria by 2030.
Speaking during the official launch of the mosquito-treated nets at Butula Sub County, Muriuki said the ministry is targeting 22 counties with high malaria prevalence, Busia being one of them.
“We are targeting to give out 15 million nets in the whole country, and so far, 2 million households with 17 million people have already received nets. In Busia, we are going to give 773,000 nets, benefiting 1,180,000 people,’ she said, adding that 230,000 items have already been distributed in Busia.
The PS explained that the mosquito nets will help in the fight against malaria in the country, while urging the residents to use the nets for the intended purpose.
“The nets are provided for free, and they are for human use to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Let’s not take the nets for other uses,” she said, adding that the items will help bring the malaria prevalence in Busia from 38% to zero per cent.
In regards to climate change, the Ps encouraged the residents to make sure they plant trees. “When you plant trees, we will prevent soil erosion, which sweeps away the soil nutrients,” she said, adding that they should plant more fruit trees.
Muriuki at the same time challenged parents and caregivers to provide proper care to their children as a way of dealing with early pregnancy.
“I know teenage pregnancy is a challenge in this county. Our children are not going to school due to pregnancy; let’s talk to them very well and offer good guidance so that they can go to school,” she said.
She asked the county government to consider allocating a budget for public sensitisation in terms of drugs and substance abuse so that the youth can get enough information on their negative effects.
The PS also appreciated community health promoters for their good work, stating that they have been able to register a total number of 7 million households in the country.
Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga, in his address, said the national government and the county administration in Busia have prioritised the distribution of nets to the vulnerable people.
“In Busia County, we have prioritised the distribution of long-lasting nets to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children under 5 years, who are most at risk, as a strategy that aims at reducing malaria incidences and ultimately achieving a malaria-free country,” he said.
Mwachaunga added that the government has embraced technology to enhance the monitoring and distribution of the nets.
“Our government has adopted a digital platform to streamline the distribution process by ensuring transparency and accountability. They are using mobile applications for registration and tracking SMS notification to inform beneficiaries of the distribution point and digital mapping to identify areas in need,” he said, adding that the innovation has made it possible to reach even the most remote areas and ensure no one is left behind in our fight against malaria.
He further said that the innovation will also lead to better data collection, analysis, and evaluation of the impact of interventions.
The County Commissioner urged everyone to use the net consistently and correctly, as it is the best way to fight against malaria.
“The battle against malaria is a shared responsibility, let’s embrace innovation and community involvement to safeguard the health and well-being of our people,” he said.
Busia County Director of Health, David Mukabi, said Busia County has a high level of malaria prevalence.
“From our reports, malaria prevalence is at 39% in the county, 40% of the cases we treat in our hospitals, and 13% of all admissions are malaria cases,” he said.
Mukabi added that community health promoters (CHPs) have handled 50% of the malaria cases at the community level, according to the available reports.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
