Mass net distribution underway in six high-risk malaria counties
By Lucy Mumbi |
The counties including Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori are at high risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Six counties have begun household registration for a mass net distribution programme to combat malaria.
According to the Ministry of Health, the counties including Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori are at high risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
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It noted that the goal of reducing malaria transmission rates and improving health outcomes signifies a crucial step forward in combating the disease in the regions.
“Health authorities are ramping up preparations to ensure thorough registration, focusing on maximising participation in the distribution,” the ministry said on Tuesday.
The initiative also aims to provide widespread access to insecticide-treated bed nets.
Stakeholders have been urged to support and participate in the programme to ensure its success.
Last year, the ministry launched the National Multi-Agency Steering Committee and Sub-Committees for the distribution campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (LLINs).
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the initiative will mark a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against malaria.
"The campaign's objective is to achieve universal coverage in malaria-endemic and western highlands epidemic-prone areas across all counties," Muthoni said.
She acknowledged that the country has adopted the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which advocates for mass LLIN distribution campaigns every three years.
Muthoni added that the strategy aims to effectively increase the coverage and utilisation of LLINs for malaria vector control.
The efforts by the ministry and partners have contributed to a reduction in the malaria burden from eight per cent in 2015 to six per cent in 2020.
The PS emphasised that malaria remains a major public health and socio-economic issue, affecting a significant portion of the population.
The mass LLIN campaign 2024 will be carried out in 28 malaria-prone counties, with the distribution target set at approximately 18.3 million nets.
According to WHO, nearly 6.7 million clinical cases of malaria are reported in Kenya every year, with 70 per cent of the population being at risk of malaria.
It is estimated that approximately 4,000 people die from malaria annually in Kenya, most of them being children.
It added that climate change and farming practices, such as deforestation, are expected to increase malaria incidence in Kenya.
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