5m households benefit from gov't mosquito nets

A total of 13,780,453 nets have so far been distributed in 4,581,265 households mainly in Northern and Eastern Uganda, providing protection against malaria to 25,381,284 people, the Ministry of Health said today. 

Government embarked on a universal distribution of the insecticide treated long lasting mosquito nets late last year, to try and reduce malaria incidences which are still responsible for most deaths in the country. 

Today, the free nets have been distributed in 67 districts, covering waves: one, two and three in Northern and Eastern regions, the ministry said. 

"As you are aware, the mass distribution campaign has reached 50% of implementation, where registration of households has been completed in wave 4 and 5.
Distribution of wave 4 has been sub-divided into two phases (4a and 4b).
Distribution under wave 4a is set to take place on Sunday, 23rd July, 2017 in the districts of Bushenyi, Hoima, Ibanda, Kabale, Kamwenge, Kiruhura, Kisoro, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Ntungamo, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, Mitooma, Buhweju, Isingiro, Kanungu, Kabarole, Rubanda, Kibaale, and Kakumiro," State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care) Joyce Moriku Kaducu said at a press briefing at the ministry headquarters in Kampala. 

A total of 4,488,874 nets will be distributed under this wave, protecting 8,193,076 people.

This will be followed by districts in wave 5 which will receive on 5th August. These districts include; Mubende, Bukomansimbi, Butambala, Gomba, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kayunga, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Luwero, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Mityana, Mpigi, Nakaseke, Mukono, Buikwe, Buvuma, Nakasongola, Rakai, and Sembabule.

Wave 4b which covers the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kagadi, Mbarara and Sheema will receive nets in October, while wave 6 - which is Kampala and Wakiso - will receive nets in November.

Pre-distribution activities for wave 6 have started with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the division medical officers. Special consideration has been made to accommodate the unique settlement patterns.

"We initially estimated that 24m (nets) would be required for the whole campaign, but from consumption observed in waves 1 to 3 and registration of waves 4 and 5 plus projection of wave 6, we established that additional 4 million nets are required. Funding for these additional nets has been secured from the Global Fund and Against Malaria Foundation, and orders for manufacturing have since been placed. The nets are expected in the country by October 2017," she said.