Kisii County residents have received a significant boost in the fight against malaria as Governor Simba Arati initiated the mass distribution of treated mosquito nets in the region. The move aims to combat the deadly malaria and other vector-borne diseases that pose a threat to the community.
Governor Arati emphasized the importance of the initiative, urging the public to actively support the government’s efforts in the battle against malaria. He advised residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and utilize the mosquito nets consistently to shield themselves from the disease.
The county has obtained a total of 941,368 nets, which will be distributed across nine constituencies. This initiative is part of a nationally supported program funded by the Global Fund through the national malaria control program in collaboration with the county government of Kisii.
Michael Oyunge, the Gucha sub-county public health officer, revealed that the distribution process began with the registration of households. A team of community health workers registered a population of 176,984 from 30,142 households. As per the national strategic program on malaria mass net distribution, the nets are allocated at a ratio of two members per net, resulting in a total of 81,857 nets being issued across the Gucha sub-county.
Notably, the entire program is now being conducted digitally, from registration to the distribution of nets. Household heads are required to present themselves at the designated net issuing posts with their national identification cards and the phone numbers used during registration. This digital approach ensures efficient communication as household heads receive notifications regarding the exercise.
In cases where individuals are registered but their details are missing, the health authorities are working closely with the Ministry of Health headquarters to rectify the issue. Additionally, four health workers are stationed at each distribution center to verify the recipients before handing out the mosquito nets.
Since its commencement on January 24, 2024, the distribution process has already reached 54 percent of households in the Gucha sub-county. This proactive effort is a significant step in safeguarding the community against the threat of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
