Kamuli District Health Department has received 31,280 insecticide-treated mosquito nets for free distribution to residents, amid warnings against their misuse.
Receiving the consignment from the Ministry of Health, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Malaria Control, Ms Winnie Kaiza, said all preparations for distribution had been completed.
“We have already concluded the training of our personnel and finalized the mode of distribution. The community is eagerly waiting to receive and use these mosquito nets,” Ms Kaiza said.
She added that the district received 6,256 bales, each containing 50 insecticide-treated nets, and assured residents that distribution would target the rightful beneficiaries.
“Malaria accounts for about 30 per cent of all reported illnesses in Kamuli and remains the leading cause of blood transfusions. These nets are a key intervention in reducing the disease burden,” Kaiza noted.
However, Kamuli Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ms Rose Birungi warned that misuse of the mosquito nets could undermine government efforts to fight malaria.
“We must intensify public awareness on the proper use of these nets so that they deliver the expected impact in malaria control,” Ms Birungi said.
She cautioned that government investment would be rendered futile if the mosquito nets were diverted for other purposes.
“These resources must not be wasted. Communities must take responsibility through monitoring, education, and embracing mosquito nets as a primary preventive measure,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mr Jackson Mukungu, a social worker in the district, called for improved hygiene and sanitation alongside strict enforcement against defaulters.
“Preventive approaches such as sanitation, hygiene, and community health outreaches are more cost-effective than curative interventions and will greatly reduce the disease burden,” Mr Mukungu said.
Free mosquito net distribution is a government-led health initiative aimed at preventing malaria by providing insecticide-treated nets to households at no cost. The exercise targets vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children, and communities are encouraged to use the nets properly for sleeping to reduce malaria infections.