In a decisive move to combat malaria in high-risk areas, the Nandi County Government has officially kicked off a mass mosquito net distribution campaign.
The program, launched by Nandi Deputy Governor and Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot, aims to protect residents from malaria in Tindiret and Aldai sub-counties, which bear the highest malaria burden in the county.
“Health is our top priority. As we kick off the distribution of mosquito nets across the county, let us use them to combat malaria, one of the greatest killer diseases in the country,” she said.
The launch event was held at Kobujoi Forest Dispensary, marking the start of the 2023/2024 Mass Distribution Campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). The initiative is a collaborative effort between the county government, the national government, and other key stakeholders in the fight against malaria.
According to Dr. Cheruiyot, the program prioritises vulnerable groups, including children under five, expectant mothers, and low-income households, ensuring equitable access to these life-saving nets.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to reducing malaria cases in Nandi County. By targeting the most affected areas and providing comprehensive education on prevention, we are taking a significant step toward improving public health,” she stated.
The nets will be distributed through health facilities across the county, with residents receiving text message notifications about collection dates. The program also emphasises community education, focusing on the proper usage and care of the nets as well as other preventive measures.
Malaria remains a major health concern in Kenya, particularly in regions like Nandi, where high-risk areas are more prone to outbreaks. Through this campaign, local authorities hope to reduce the prevalence of malaria, prevent deaths, and promote healthier communities.
Residents of Aldai and Tindiret sub-counties have welcomed the program, expressing optimism that the initiative will bring the much-needed relief to affected families.
The exercise is digitised through a system which is an end-to-end process. This prevents the loss of the nets through corruption. Beneficiaries are required to produce their identification cards (IDs) for their details to be captured before they receive their nets.
The county government has called on all eligible residents to actively participate in the program by collecting and using the nets as intended. Stakeholders have also pledged to monitor the campaign’s progress to ensure its success in reducing malaria cases in Nandi County.
The Deputy Governor said the climate change crisis is a significant factor in the region’s high malaria prevalence, adding that with the raging floods, there are going to be many malaria cases in the country.
“If there are high mosquito breeding sites, it means malaria spread will go up, and that is why we have undertaken the initiative to sensitise the public to take caution during this heavy rainfall,” she said.
By Linet Wafula
