Nkhata Bay District Aims to Reach IRS Target for Malaria Prevention
The exercise is set to run for 36 days, and it is currently in its fourth week, making significant progress in the fight against malaria in the district.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi - The District Commissioner (DC) for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, has expressed confidence that the district will meet its target of spraying 75,799 structures with insecticides to prevent malaria, similar to the previous year, writes Rabecca Kaunda.
People in the district are once again responding positively to the indoor residual spraying (IRS) exercise.
Newa shared his optimism during a monitoring tour of the Traditional Authority Fukamapiri area at the Kande site.
The purpose of the tour was to assess the work done by the spray operators and gather feedback from the community.
The DC noted that all the households he visited were well-prepared to facilitate the work of the spray operators.
He commended the communities for their positive response to the exercise, stating, "I am impressed with how the communities are responding to the exercise."
Newa also advised those who may be hesitant to follow their neighbours' lead, emphasizing the importance of having their houses sprayed as the primary goal is to combat malaria in the district.
The IRS exercise in Nkhata Bay is progressing smoothly, as confirmed by Senior Chief Timbiri in the Mpamba site. Chief Timbiri reported that during a recent chiefs' meeting, only one case of refusal was documented.
This demonstrates the success of community mobilisation efforts, with residents understanding the importance of having their houses sprayed to prevent malaria.
Linly Banda, a mother of two from Traditional Authority Mkumbira, shared her satisfaction with the results of the IRS program.
After her house was sprayed a few days ago, her family can now sleep peacefully at night without the nuisance of mosquito bites.
The IRS exercise in Nkhata Bay District is a joint effort between World Vision Malawi and the government of Malawi, with funding from the Global Fund.
The exercise is set to run for 36 days, and it is currently in its fourth week, making significant progress in the fight against malaria in the district.