Mombasa residents to benefit from distribution of over 930,000 mosquito nets

Mombasa residents are set to benefit from the mass distribution of mosquito nets to registered households beginning Thursday.

The exercise, expected to run for three days, is targeting Kisauni, Mvita and Changamwe Sub-Counties.

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO Andrew Mulwa will oversee the operation aimed at distributing over 930,000 malaria nets across Mombasa within the next two weeks.

Those registered will receive messages on their mobile phones telling them where to collect the nets.

However, the county noted the dates for Jomvu, Nyali and Likoni net distribution will be announced in due course.

“This initiative is part of a routine programme implemented by the national government every three years to combat malaria in high-risk regions. The distribution targets 22 counties with high malaria incidence,” said Mulwa noting Mombasa to be one of the endemic areas

He noted they have already completed the exercise in Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori stating they are doing 16.2 million net distribution countrywide.

“We are now in cluster two which is net distribution in Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Kwale. The exercise is expected to end in May. We will do 18 counties but our other partners Meds will do the other four counties,” said Mulwa.

Part of the mosquito nets to be distributed to Mombasa residents. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the marking of the households had previously been done noting what has remained is the nets to reach the necessary beneficiaries.

Mulwa emphasised the importance of collaboration with local authorities, particularly praising Mombasa County for its proactive approach, including timely debt payments.

As part of their efforts to streamline operations, KEMSA plans to establish a distribution centre in Mombasa, with renovations expected to be completed by June.

Once operational, the Mombasa distribution centre would significantly reduce the time taken to deliver medical supplies, with Mulwa anticipating a turnaround of just 48 hours.

He expressed gratitude for the partnerships that enabled KEMSA to fulfil its vital role in safeguarding public health nationwide.

The mass net distribution is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Global Fund and other partners in endemic and epidemic-prone Counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties.