Health authorities in Luwero District have delayed the distribution of mosquito nets until further notice. This postponement occurred because sub-county officials faced difficulties in entering data into a digital platform provided for this purpose.
The distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Mosquito Nets (LLINs) was originally announced in July. This initiative was a part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce the incidence of malaria and its associated mortality rates.
The campaign, known as ‘Under the Net,’ commenced in districts with the highest prevalence of malaria, encompassing 16 districts in its first wave. These districts included Alebtong, Amolatar, Budaka, Bugiri, Butebo, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Kalakai, Kibuku, Namutumba, Pallisa, Isingiro, Kakumiro, Lyantonde, Ntoroko, and Kibaale.
The distribution of nets under wave II started on July 15 and continued until July 20 in 10 additional districts, namely Buhweju, Kalangala, Sheema, Rubirizi, Kiruhura, Mitooma, Serere, Soroti, Namisindwa, and Lira. Luwero District had initially scheduled the distribution exercise for Saturday, October 21.
However, Luwero District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Innocent Nkonwa announced on Friday evening that the exercise would be deferred due to reported difficulties in data entry by some sub-counties. In his statement, Dr. Nkonwa explained that they have decided to use today and tomorrow to perform a mop-up operation, which will facilitate the harmonization of data from all sub-counties.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng had previously declared that the government aimed to distribute 28.5 million mosquito nets nationwide through a campaign supported by The Global Fund and Against Malaria Foundation. This campaign sought to encourage consistent net usage, net repair, repurposing, and address the social norms that discourage net utilization.
It is worth noting that the use of mosquito nets has been proven to reduce childhood mortality by up to 25 percent.
