Worry as Asian malaria-spreading mosquito invades Kenya
Dec 22, 2023
The Anopheles Stephensi mosquito, a significant malaria vector in South Asia, the Middle East, and southern China, has recently been identified in the Horn of Africa, with Kenya also reporting its presence.
Jimmy Opigo Assistant Commissioner health service in charge of Malaria handing over mosquito nets to VHTs kicking off the mosquito net distribution in Kampala. (Photos by Nancy Nanyonga)
Violet Nabatanzi
Journalist @New Vision
________________________________
Ugandan health experts say they are worried about the Asian malaria-spreading mosquito: Anopheles stephensi invading and spreading in Kenya.
The experts say if the mosquito finds its way into Uganda, all the progress they have achieved in the battle against malaria in urban areas might go up in smoke.
Speaking during the launch of the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) in Kampala on Wednesday, Health Ministry Assistant Commissioner Health Services in charge of malaria Dr Jimmy Opigo emphasized the implementation of surveillance. Given Uganda's proximity to Kenya, Opigo underscored the potential for the mosquito to cross borders and urged heightened vigilance.
The vector has the potential to increase transmission in urban settings, particularly in areas where poorly planned drainage and waste disposal systems create conducive larval habitats.
Travel with mosquito nets
As the distribution of LLINs continues in Kampala metropolitan and other regions, Opigo appealed to those traveling for Christmas celebrations to carry bed nets as a preventive measure against malaria. Residents of Kamwokya receiving mosquito nets VHTS on December 21, 2023.
The Anopheles Stephensi mosquito, a significant malaria vector in South Asia, the Middle East, and southern China, has recently been identified in the Horn of Africa, with Kenya also reporting its presence.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mosquito nets are proven to be one of the most effective interventions against malaria.
Since April this year, the health ministry has been distributing 28 million LLINs in all districts across the country using the universal coverage formula.
The distribution marks the final wave of the distribution campaign for the three districts of Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
Commissioner in the Department of Communicable Diseases, prevention, and Control Dr Tusiime Patrick recently said about $120m (approximately shillings 444 billion) was allocated to the LLIN campaign.
Under the campaign, a total of about 16.6 million nets were procured with funding from the Global Fund Against HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria.
Against Malaria Foundation, a UK-based charity contributed 10.6m nets, while USAID under the Presidential Malaria Initiative contributed 4m dollars towards warehousing costs.
Tusiime said the LLIN is being distributed under the universal coverage concept of one mosquito net to two people. This means that the number of people in a household determines the number of nets received in each household.
Every three years, the Government distributes mosquito nets as one of the strategies for Malaria prevention.
Burden
In Uganda, Malaria contributes to 70% of Out Patient Attendance (OPD) in health facilities. Children under five years of age are mostly affected.
In 2009, malaria prevalence reduced from 42% to 19% in 2014. During the Malaria indicator survey conducted in 2018/2019, it further reduced to about 9.2%.
Despite the deployment of recommended malaria prevention and control interventions, the country is experiencing a generalised increase in malaria cases across the country, with some areas surpassing the epidemic thresholds. At the peak of the epidemic in July 2022, over 78 districts were reported as having a malaria upsurge.
Tusiime however said "The progress the country had made previously was reversed, we have outbreaks of malaria in almost every district in the country with varying degrees. Some districts are very badly off. We are in a bad situation and many people are dying daily. In other districts like Kampala, the threat is a bit lower".
Uganda is still ranked number three in Global Malaria burden with over 12 million cases reported annually
The Government has been committed to fighting Malaria, through Malaria free campaign headed by Cabinet. This commitment to having the population protected against malaria through appropriate vector control and chemo-prevention measures has been stated in the sector development plans.
Beneficiaries speak out
Sarah Nalugya, a resident of Church area Kamwokya, commended the Government for offering them free mosquito nets adding that the nets will help in fighting malaria.
Sandra Namwanje said ever since she suffered from malaria, she will never take for granted the bed net as she ensures that she sleeps under the net.
No Comment