Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District has launched a mass mosquito net distribution campaign aimed at curbing malaria, with 96,500 treated nets received for the exercise.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the District Health Office, officially kicked off the distribution on Monday, 5 January, at Okwongo Town Council.
The launch brought together district officials, sub-county leaders, Village Health Teams (VHTs), and community members.
Innocent Byarugaba, the Ministry of Health supervisor for Otuke District, noted that previous campaigns had faced challenges, particularly due to limited knowledge among rural communities on proper net usage.
He said this time, more emphasis would be placed on educating households on correct use of the nets to maximize malaria prevention.
“From our micro-planning data, Otuke District received 96,500 nets, which aligns with the expected needs of the community,” Byarugaba said.
He urged community members to use the nets effectively and called on stakeholders to continue sensitizing households on malaria prevention.
Patrick Opio, a district health official, warned that malaria remains the leading killer in Uganda, with health facilities in Otuke admitting large numbers of malaria patients daily.
He outlined preventive measures, including indoor residual spraying, destruction of stagnant water, regular health facility visits, community sensitization, and consistent use of treated mosquito nets.
Opio said children under five, pregnant women, and individuals living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, and cancer remain the most vulnerable groups.
Geoffrey Okello, focal point person for Okwongo Town Council, highlighted the challenge of insufficient nets, revealing that only 2,050 nets were available for distribution within the town council, falling short of the population’s needs.
LC III Chairperson for Okwongo Town Council, John Bosco Olwit, urged residents to use the nets exclusively for malaria prevention, warning against repurposing them for construction, poultry rearing, or other activities.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Issac Opio Opeo cautioned that misuse of the treated nets could lead to arrests, stressing that the nets are a public health intervention and must be respected.
Concluding the launch, Opio encouraged the community to support President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming 15 January elections, linking good governance to continued development, peace, and socio-economic transformation.
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