The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has supervised the operation of the distribution of over 930, 000 mosquito nets in Mombasa to other parts of the country.
Together with Mombasa Governor Abudulswamad Nassir, KEMSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew Mulwa flagged off several Lorries of a consignment of mosquito nets that is to be shared among 22 counties that are malaria prone.
Local residents that are registered will receive the nets in an exercise that is expected to run for three days, targeting Kisauni, Mvita and Changamwe sub-counties in Mombasa County.
Those registered will receive a text message via their mobile phones informing them on where to collect the mosquito nets.
However, the county noted that the dates for Jomvu, Nyali and Likoni net distribution exercise will be communicated in due course.
Mulwa said the initiative is part of a routine programme implemented by the national government every three years to combat malaria in high risk regions.
“The distribution targets 22 counties with high risk malaria incidence with Mombasa being one of the endemic areas,” he said.
He noted that they have completed the exercise in Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties.
He added that the initiative targets the distribution of 16.2 million nets countrywide.
“We are now in cluster two which is net distribution in Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Kwale counties. The exercise is expected to end in May,” he said.
Mulwa said that they will do the distribution in 18 counties with their partners Meds doing the other four for a total of 22 counties.
He emphasized on the importance of collaboration with local authorities, particularly praising Mombasa County for its proactive approach, including timely debt payment.
He added that as part of ways to streamline operations, plans are underway to establish a distribution center in Mombasa, with renovations expected to be completed in June.
“Once operational the Mombasa distribution center will significantly reduce the time taken to deliver medical supplies in a turnaround of just 48 hours,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the partnerships that enabled KEMSA to fulfill its vital role in safeguarding public health nationwide.
Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the marking of the households had previously been done noting that they are only left with the distribution to the required beneficiaries.
The mass net distribution is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Global Fund and other partners in endemic and epidemic-prone counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties.
By Chari Suche and Victoria Wanjiru
