The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has initiated an intensified campaign against malaria, focusing on the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) Distribution Campaign.
Targeting 22 high-burden counties, the 2023/24 campaign aims to distribute 15.3 million nets, supported by the Global Fund and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative.
In a press statement today, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki mentioned that this week, the National Steering Committee and National Malaria Control Program have started preparing the next six counties for distribution.
Scheduled to run from January 22nd to February 3rd, 2024, this campaign targets Kisumu, Siaya, Migori (in the Lake endemic region), Kwale, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta (in the Coast Endemic region), in addition to Kisii and Nyamira utilizing lessons learned from past experiences.
The goal is to conclude the campaign by April 2024, urging communities/beneficiaries to use the nets correctly and consistently to protect against mosquito bites, the primary mode of malaria transmission.
The Ministry has employed a meticulous approach, recognizing the diversity of each county. The clusters prioritize data validation, sensitization, healthcare worker training, and community health worker involvement.
These preparations aim to ensure quality and timely distribution throughout the campaign.
In relation to the campaign, on the second day of the validation meeting on Mass Distribution of Mosquito Nets in Kisumu, stakeholders delved into an extensive tutorial on the innovative digital app “Digimal.”
The session highlighted the app’s user-friendly interface and practical functionalities tailored for the nationwide Mosquito Net Distribution process.