Gov't launches residual spray against malaria

By Bonney Odongo

Government on Friday launched the second phase of indoor residual spraying against malaria causing vectors in 14 more districts in Lango, Bukedi, Teso and Busoga sub regions.

The exercise was launched in Lira by the State Minister for Primary Health Care, Sarah Opendi in a function attended among others by district leaders including Resident District Commissioners(RDCs) and LC5 chairpersons from all the 14 districts.

Opendi while launching the program at Lira Hotel said apart from these 14 districts, government intends to roll out the program in 50 other districts that are also infested with malaria causing vectors in a period of three years.

She ordered district leaders to arrest those who will preach against the exercise saying it cost government $1m to undertake the exercise in each of the 14 districts.

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State minister for primary health care, Sarah Opendi launches the second phase of indoor residual spraying.PHOTO/ Bonney Odongo

“This is not a small amount of money that is why I am urging you leaders to arrest anybody or any religious sect that will try to demobilize people during the exercise like it happened during mass immunization exercise,” Opendi said.

She said Lira, Alebtong, Kaberamaido and Tororo districts will be sprayed before December while the remaining ones would be finished by April next year.

The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Jane Acheng Ochero urged leaders to have their houses sprayed first to demystify the narrow belief that chemicals used in indoor residual spraying are harmful to health and environment.

Lira district LC5 Chairman, Alex Oremo Alot said the district has accepted the exercise because there is no controversial negative statement from the community and politicians.

Martin Ocen Akia, the Lamwo district LC5 boss testified that the rate of malaria prevalent in his district reduced after it was sprayed in the first phase.

He said since then, malaria drug consumption has reduced tremendously making the district to write to the ministry of health asking them to stop coartem supply for a period of six months. 

Lira RDC, George Odong urged leaders to support the exercise aimed at fighting malaria emphasizing that the fight against malaria is crucial to ensure high productivity in these areas.

He said the highest number of people that turn up for malaria treatment at Lira referral hospital are women. 

The exercise was eventually started at the home of Lira district LC5 boss where his entire home was sprayed against mosquitoes.