MOH launches Toro Regional distribution of the mosquito nets

By Musa Polite

As Malaria remains a substantial public health issue in Uganda over an extended period, Ministry of health on Saturday launched Toro Regional mosquito nets distribution campaign in a way to reduce malaria cases in the country that holds the unfortunate distinction of having the world’s highest malaria incidence rate, with 478 cases per 1,000 population annually.

A two days mosquito net distribution campaign will see 73280 mosquito nets distributed to families in Fort Portal city out of the 28 million that will be given out country wide.

Speaking during the lunch at north division headquarters, Dr. Asiimwe Solomon, Fort portal city health officer noted that the two days campaign that will run under the theme “under the net” will see Fort portal city distribute 73280 mosquito nets at 63 distribution points across the city.

According to Dr. Solomon, in 2022/2023 malaria was the second common cause of OPD attendance at all health facilities in Fort Portal, optimistic that once the mosquito nets are put into good use, it will reduce the burden.

North division Mayor Joseph Mashuhuko applauded the ministry of health for a swift action to end malaria infection and Asked ministry of health to make addition of 108 million needed for unfinished work at Karambi HC111 maternity ward like solar lightening system, plumbing works, ceiling and paving to smoothen the delivery of healthy children.

Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, director general health services in the ministry of health noted that Uganda got 28 million mosquito nets from partners to supplement on the Insecticides for indoor spray, two pre -qualified malaria vaccines to be added upon malaria control intervention.

Dr. Mwebesa also committed to provide additional 108 million shillings needed for solar lightening, plumbing works, ceiling and paving of Karambi HC111 maternity ward that is under construction after the 300 million originally planned for the construction of the facility failed to complete as planned.

Dr. Mwebesa handing over nets to one of the beneficiaries during the regional launch

Linda Irene, Fort portal city woman Member of Parliament says that Nets come with additional responsibility of closing homes early, removing stagnant water, clearing bushes and other breeding places, Asking the ministry of health to consider giving VHTs gum boots and umbrellas because they are at the front of distribution of nets in the rain season.

Mujungu Bettie Pendo, Fort portal city deputy mayor noted with concern the need to tackle staffing gaps in the health sector of Fort portal City that stands at 25%, causing inefficiency in health service delivery and called upon the ministry to help the city have ambulances to ease referrals.

Speaking as the chief guest, Rt. Hon. Harriet Nyakake Abwoli, deputy prime minister Toro Kingdom re-echoed kingdom’s commitment to supporting health  and reminded Ugandans about King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru’s call to do regular check up so that they detect diseases at an early and manageable stage.

Toro Kingdom deputy prime ninister handing over mosquito nets to a selected woman at Karamba during the regional launch.

In 2020, Uganda had the 3rd highest global burden of malaria cases and deaths (5.4%) and the 5th highest proportion of malaria cases in East and Southern Africa (23.2%) with estimated annual ∼3.3 million cases of malaria in children under five in Ugandans who seek treatment, resulting in 12 893 (95% CI 12 668–13 117) deaths.