MoH to conduct mass mosquito nets distribution from November

The Ministry of Health is preparing to conduct a mass distribution of treated mosquito nets.

The exercise, expected to begin in November, will be conducted by the ministry in collaboration with other development partners, such as Global Fund.

Already, the national Training of Trainers (ToTs) for the mass Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) distribution campaign for the period 2023/24 has been done.

The training paves the way for the distribution of about 18 million nets across 28 high-risk counties in a renewed effort to combat malaria.

The national trainers will equip counties and sub counties with the skills for effective micro-planning, household registration and net distribution.

“Since 2012, Kenya has adhered to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation of conducting mass LLINs distribution campaigns every three years to achieve universal coverage,” the ministry said.

According to the ministry, distribution of long-treated mosquito nets to communities has already made a significant impact in the fight against malaria.

The Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey shows the prevalence of malaria nationally has reduced from eight per cent in 2015 to six per cent in 2020.

“This year's campaign will harness digitisation to mitigate operational risks and boost efficiency,” the ministry said.

Currently, malaria is the most lethal mosquito-transmitted disease.

The WHO reported an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2021 and 619,000 deaths.

Almost all cases and deaths were in African countries.

Insecticide-treated nets serve a dual function by acting as a physical barrier between the mosquito vector and humans, and exposing the mosquito to a lethal dose of insecticide when it lands on the net.

In another common control method, mosquitoes are exposed to a lethal dose of insecticide through indoor residual spraying.

Kenya is making strides in the fight against malaria due to the government's concerted efforts to combat the disease.

This includes distributing mosquito nets, carrying out indoor residue spraying of mosquitos, and ensuring that anti-malaria drugs are available in all public health facilities.

The efforts have contributed to a reduction in the malaria burden from eight per cent in 2015 to six per cent in 2020.

Despite the progress, malaria remains a significant health burden in Kenya, causing an estimated 4.4 million cases and 12,000 deaths in 2019.