Bushenyi rolls out treated mosquito nets targeting over 70,000 households

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The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Bushenyi District Local Government, has launched the distribution of 168,200 treated mosquito nets to more than 70,000 households in a campaign aimed at fighting malaria in the district.

The exercise was officially launched on Wednesday in Ibaare subcounty, with district leaders calling on residents to properly use the mosquito nets to protect families against malaria infections.

Speaking at the launch, Bushenyi district health officer Dr Steven Twinomugisha said the distribution exercise will cover all 17 subcounties in the district.

“We are distributing 168,200 treated mosquito nets targeting over 70,000 households across the district. This is part of the government’s efforts to reduce malaria infections in the district, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women,” Dr Twinomugisha said.

The exercise was officially launched on Wednesday in Ibaare subcounty. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)

He revealed that since the beginning of the year, Bushenyi District has registered 671 malaria cases.

Twinomugisha noted that Kyamuhunga, Bitooma, Nyabubare and Kakanju subcounties remain among the most affected areas.

“About 40% of the malaria cases recorded in the district involve children below five years. This is worrying because children are the most vulnerable to severe malaria complications,” he said.

He urged residents to consistently sleep under treated mosquito nets and maintain proper sanitation around their homes to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

“Malaria is preventable and treatable. We call upon every household to ensure that these mosquito nets are properly used for the intended purpose,” Dr Twinomugisha added.

Call for vigilance

Bushenyi LC5 chairperson Prosper Twebaze said the district remains at high risk of malaria due to environmental conditions that favour mosquito breeding.

“In 2002, Bushenyi was ranked among the areas with the highest malaria burden in the world. That means malaria is still a serious threat to our people, and we need to remain vigilant,” Twebaze said.

He commended the government for prioritising preventive healthcare interventions instead of waiting to treat patients after infection.

“When we focus on prevention, we reduce congestion in health facilities and make treatment easier for medical workers. I thank the government for investing in preventive health programmes like mosquito net distribution,” he added.

RDC warns against misuse of nets

Bushenyi resident district commissioner (RDC) Emmy Ngabirano warned residents against misusing the mosquito nets, saying disciplinary action would be taken against offenders.

“These mosquito nets are meant to protect lives. Anyone found misusing them will face action in accordance with the law,” Ngabirano warned.

The mosquito net distribution campaign is part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide malaria prevention strategy aimed at reducing infections and deaths caused by the disease.