State to distribute 1.2 million mosquito nets to reduce malaria burden in Bungoma

The Ministry of Health will distribute 1.2 million Long-lasting Insecticidal nets to reduce the malaria burden in Bungoma, coordinator Moses Wambusi has said.

Wambusi told the Star on Tuesday that the exercise will begin on June 20 to 24.

Nets are pivotal in helping control malaria, Wambusi said, adding that before the mass net distribution begins, officials from the ministry will sensitise locals on the importance of using them.

“The reason we are distributing Long-Lasting Insecticidal nets (LLINs) is because Bungoma is among the counties in the region that records high prevalence malaria cases,” the county coordinator said. 

Wambusi referenced a 2010 survey in the eight lake endemic regions that put the prevalence rate at  19.2 per cent.

“Bungoma has high malaria cases and that is why its prevalence is 28 percent more than the regional one,” he said, adding that net distribution will cut the malaria prevalence rates in the county.

Expectant women, the elderly, young children and those with low immune systems are vulnerable to getting malaria, Wambusi said, underscoring the need for them to register for the nets.

The climate change crisis is a major contributor to malaria and with the raging floods, there will be increased cases.

“If there is high mosquito breeding sites it means malaria spread will go up and that is why we have taken the initiative to sensitise the public on the importance of taking caution during this heavy rainfalls.”

“With this climate change issue we don’t want to take long to distribute nets to the residents,” he said.

Wambusi lauded the move by Health CS Susan Nakhumicha to have community kits, saying this has aided the anti-malaria campaign.  

“These community health promoters (CHP’s) community kits have really helped in fighting malaria and other diseases in the villages. The CHP’s have a link with health facilities,” he said.

Lilian Atieno Oloo, the sub-county coordinator for Kanduyi, said the population's vulnerability, particularly pregnant women and children under one year require proactive measures and prompt medical attention.

The malaria positivity rate in the Kanduyi is 30 per cent, indicating that out of every 100 individuals tested for malaria, at least 30 tests positive, Oloo said. 

In Bungoma, the prevalence per sub-county in 2023 and 2024 is recorderd at 49 per cent in Bumula, Cheptais 27 per cent, Kabuchai 34 per cent, Kanduyi 20 per cent , Kimilili 19 per cent, Mt Elgon 8 per cent, Sirisia 46 per cent, Tongaren 12 per cent, Webuye East 25 per cent and Webuye West at 28 per cent.