Members of various households in Aperkira sub-county, Kaberamaido district, have expressed their approval of the government’s malaria control program known as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).
The government is scheduled to commence another round of house spraying in Kaberamaido on October 30, 2023. On Friday, October 14, some households were surveyed to gather their opinions on IRS.
The IRS program was introduced in Kaberamaido district in 2016.
In Ajikai ‘A’ village, Olelai parish, Aperkira sub-county, retired catechist James Samson Ojange lauded the IRS program for saving him significant expenses on malaria treatment. He shared that, prior to the introduction of IRS, he had to spend substantial amounts on clinics to treat his grandchildren and other family members, but this situation has improved.
Ojange expressed gratitude to the government for the program and indicated that he would welcome it if the government decides to reintroduce it. He noted that initial skepticism and myths surrounding the program had been dispelled, stating that the initial chemical used had an unpleasant smell, but subsequent chemicals did not, making the program more acceptable.
Basil Akopan from Ajikai A village mentioned that some youth initially avoided the program due to unfounded rumors that it might affect their sexual performance. However, as time passed and the program continued successfully, they allowed their houses to be sprayed. He cited the case of his son, who got married and had a child, debunking the fears that had initially existed.
Mary Arago, a mother of seven children, shared that her visits to health facilities for malaria treatment had decreased significantly. She used to seek treatment for malaria weekly but could now go three to four months without needing treatment for any of her children.
Barbra Adongo, a mother of a nine-month-old baby, stated that since her child’s birth, there had been no need for malaria treatment, and she attributed this to the IRS program.
Henry Epolu from Onyal ‘A’ village supported the IRS program and emphasized that most negative beliefs about it were baseless. He mentioned that the program reduced the number of mosquitoes, and the distribution of treated mosquito nets by the government further bolstered the fight against malaria, though he acknowledged that there was often a shortage of nets.
Some families, he explained, prioritized providing mosquito nets to their children due to a tradition that children should sleep comfortably and safely. Epolu also noted that the chemical used for spraying effectively eliminated other insects, such as bed bugs.
Rose Akello reported that her house was sprayed while she was pregnant, and she delivered without any difficulties, dispelling concerns about potential side effects on pregnant women.
Michael Erimu, who has family members with asthma, mentioned that some family members experienced breathing difficulties when houses were sprayed, necessitating the use of medication. He also pointed out that food storage was a challenge since many people kept their food in the same houses they slept in.
One resident, Joel Ebitu, requested to be excused during IRS operations due to breathing difficulties.
Leaders’ Findings:
Godfrey Owiny, the LC1 of Ajikai ‘A’ village, stated that IRS had significantly benefited his community, with negative views decreasing and most people embracing the program. The few who declined to have their houses sprayed often did so due to busy schedules.
Charles Elamu, the IRS focal person of Kaberamaido district, highlighted the numerous positive aspects of IRS and the program’s role in fighting malaria. He mentioned plans to address any gaps in the program and engage officers at the household level.
Kaberamaido’s Member of Parliament, Alfred Edakasi, commended the IRS program and the distribution of treated mosquito nets. He advocated for an increase in the availability of mosquito nets and advised households to purchase additional nets to ensure the safety of all family members against malaria. Edakasi expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from local residents and called for continued government support for the IRS program.
