By Vicent Emong
The Ministry of Health has rolled out the second phase of its nationwide mosquito net distribution campaign, targeting 32 districts across Uganda in a renewed push to combat malaria. Kumi District is among the beneficiaries, having received 178,700 long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
The campaign is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to reduce malaria infections, a disease that remains one of the leading public health challenges in the country.
Speaking on the initiative, Kumi District Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health and Malaria Focal Person, Moses Oonyu, emphasized the importance of prevention under the campaign’s guiding message: “Sleep under a mosquito net.”
❝ “We thank the Government of Uganda and its partners for providing these mosquito nets. They are already in place and ready for distribution to the communities.” ❞
— Moses Oonyu
According to Oonyu, the nets have been safely delivered and stored at parish centers across Kumi District, awaiting distribution. The Ministry of Health is working closely with district authorities to ensure a smooth rollout, including deploying supervisors and conducting training sessions for local leaders, sub-county officials, parish teams, and security personnel.
Village Health Teams (VHTs) will play a central role in registering households to ensure fair and efficient distribution. The allocation will follow national guidelines of one mosquito net for every two people, with the goal of achieving at least 80 percent household coverage.
Despite this effort, officials acknowledge that the distribution alone may not fully meet all needs. As a result, complementary malaria control measures continue to be implemented. These include testing and treatment services at health facilities, promotion of household sanitation, preventive care for pregnant women, and malaria vaccination for children aged between 6 and 18 months.
Kumi District remains one of the areas heavily affected by malaria, with a prevalence rate of 49 percent—meaning nearly half of those tested are positive for the disease. Health officials say this highlights the urgent need for preventive interventions such as consistent use of mosquito nets.
Oonyu urged residents to register with their Village Health Teams to benefit from the exercise, noting that distribution is expected to take place between the 7th and 18th of the month, pending completion of preparatory activities.
He also cautioned communities to protect the mosquito nets stored in their areas and to ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
❝ “These nets are meant to save lives. Misusing them for activities like fishing or trapping termites defeats the purpose of this campaign.” ❞
— Moses Oonyu
Residents have further been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Health officials warned against sharing medication, emphasizing that antimalarial drugs are prescribed individually and may be ineffective if misused.
The second wave of the mosquito net distribution campaign represents a critical step in Uganda’s journey toward eliminating malaria by 2032. Authorities say success will depend not only on government efforts but also on active community participation.
With coordinated action and responsible use of preventive tools, health leaders remain optimistic that malaria cases can be significantly reduced, improving the overall health and wellbeing of communities across Kumi District and beyond.
