Nandi: In a decisive move to combat malaria in high-risk areas, the Nandi County Government has officially kicked off a mass mosquito net distribution campaign. The program, launched by Nandi Deputy Governor and Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot, aims to protect residents from malaria in Tindiret and Aldai sub-counties, which bear the highest malaria burden in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch event was held at Kobujoi Forest Dispensary, marking the start of the 2023/2024 Mass Distribution Campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). The initiative is a collaborative effort between the county government, the national government, and other key stakeholders in the fight against malaria.
Dr. Cheruiyot highlighted that the program prioritises vulnerable groups, including children under five, expectant mothers, and low-income households, ensuring equitable access to these life-saving nets. She expressed the county’s commitment to
reducing malaria cases by targeting the most affected areas and providing comprehensive education on prevention.
The nets will be distributed through health facilities across the county, with residents receiving text message notifications about collection dates. The program also emphasises community education, focusing on the proper usage and care of the nets as well as other preventive measures.
Malaria remains a major health concern in Kenya, particularly in regions like Nandi, where high-risk areas are more prone to outbreaks. Through this campaign, local authorities hope to reduce the prevalence of malaria, prevent deaths, and promote healthier communities. Residents of Aldai and Tindiret sub-counties have welcomed the program, expressing optimism that the initiative will bring much-needed relief to affected families.
The exercise is digitised through a system that ensures an end-to-end process, preventing the loss of nets through corruption. Beneficiaries are required to produce their identification
cards (IDs) for their details to be captured before they receive their nets. The county government has called on all eligible residents to actively participate in the program by collecting and using the nets as intended.
Stakeholders have pledged to monitor the campaign’s progress to ensure its success in reducing malaria cases in Nandi County. The Deputy Governor noted that climate change is a significant factor in the region’s high malaria prevalence, and with the ongoing floods, there may be an increase in malaria cases. She urged the public to take caution during the heavy rainfall to mitigate the spread of the disease.