Malawi Launches Massive Mosquito Net Drive to Combat Deadly Malaria
The initiative targets distribution to schools and communities across the nation, prioritizing areas with high malaria transmission rates.
BALAKA, Malawi — Malawi's Ministry of Health launched its 2024 insecticide-treated mosquito net distribution campaign recently, reaffirming the nation's commitment to eradicating malaria by 2030, writes Abraham Bisayi.
Speaking at Mponda Primary School in Balaka district on Monday, Deputy Health Minister Halima Daud urged citizens to use the nets properly, warning against their misuse for fishing or agriculture.
"Every Malawian is at risk of suffering from malaria, with over 6 million cases confirmed in 2013," Daud said.
"We plan to distribute over 11 million mosquito nets to 19.6 million people nationwide, including three boarding secondary schools and primary schools with high malaria burden."
Daud emphasized that rising malaria cases hamper national development by affecting productivity and economic growth.
Jannel Rough, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative team leader for Malawi, praised the government's efforts, noting a 70% reduction in malaria prevalence since 2013.
"The U.S. government has supported Malawi with over $400 million for malaria prevention and control activities since 2006," Rough said.
"We will continue rendering our support in this fight to protect our children and pregnant women."
Dr. Michael Kayange, World Health Organization national response officer in Malawi, said malaria remains a global health challenge, with nearly 200 million annual diagnoses worldwide.
The initiative targets distribution to schools and communities across the nation, prioritizing areas with high malaria transmission rates.