Kenya has emerged as one of the top five countries in Africa for the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in 2024, with 16.6 million nets delivered to communities at risk of malaria.
This places Kenya alongside Niger, which also distributed 16.6 million nets, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (16 million), Madagascar (15.4 million), and Ghana (14.6 million), reflecting sustained efforts toward malaria prevention.
According to the latest data from National Malaria Programmes (NMPs), 181 million ITNs were distributed globally in 2024.
Of these, 74 million (41 per cent) were conventional pyrethroid-only nets, 74 million (41 per cent) were PBO (piperonyl butoxide) nets, and 33 million (18 per cent) were dual active-ingredient nets.
Nearly 90 per cent of the nets were distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria remains a significant public health concern.
In the region, 55 million conventional ITNs, 73 million PBO nets, and 33 million dual active-ingredient nets were delivered.
About half of all nets distributed in sub-Saharan Africa were concentrated in the five leading countries, with Kenya playing a major role in ensuring vulnerable populations receive protection.
The report indicates that ITNs continue to be among the most effective tools for reducing malaria transmission, particularly in areas experiencing increased resistance to standard insecticides.
“The inclusion of PBO and dual active ingredient nets is critical in addressing emerging insecticide resistance. Mass distribution campaigns continue to be the primary method of ITN delivery. In 2024, 29 countries conducted mass campaigns, planning to distribute 145 million nets,” the report states.
Of these, 133 million were delivered, including 26 million nets carried over from the previous year. By the end of 2024, 91.3 per cent of nets planned for mass campaigns had been distributed.
Some countries, however, did not meet their targets. The Comoros distributed 59 per cent of planned nets, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo delivered 46 per cent.
According to the report, geographical challenges, logistical constraints, and competing programme priorities affected distribution in various regions.
Overall, sub-Saharan Africa recorded a 33 per cent decrease in ITN distributions in 2024 compared to 2023—equivalent to 81 million fewer nets.
Much of this decline resulted from reduced mass campaign activity, which accounted for about 75 per cent of the drop.
In contrast, ITN distribution outside sub-Saharan Africa increased by 71 per cent, with Pakistan (7.7 million nets), India (4.6 million), Yemen (2.2 million), and Papua New Guinea (1.5 million) contributing significantly to global totals.
The report notes that fluctuations in ITN distribution are expected due to the three-year cycle followed for mass campaigns.
The 2024 figures in sub-Saharan Africa are closer to those of 2021, when 144 million nets were delivered, suggesting a return to normal distribution patterns.
Kenya’s strong performance in ITN distribution reflects ongoing national efforts to reduce malaria transmission and protect communities most at risk.
