In an exclusive interview, National Malaria Control Programme Manager in the Ministry of Health and child Welfare, Joseph Mberikunashe, said the mosquito nets were funded by the Global Fund.
“The 1.3 million mosquito nets have been procured through the United Nations Development Plan process with funding coming from Global Fund,” he said. “The country got the grants under Round 8 and 10 where we got $25m and $59m for five years respectively. Most of the money goes into commodities such as spray Chemicals, mosquito nets, drugs and vehicles meant to fight malaria in the country.”
Before 2009 the country was only distributing mosquito nets to pregnant women and children under the age of five years. The last distribution exercise of the treated mosquito nets in the 30 districts was in February 2010 after the programme started in September 2009.
“We have distributed 457 000 nets in seven districts and the 1.3m will cover the remaining 23 districts,” added Mberikunashe.
He said currently a population survey and registration in the remaining 23 districts was being conducted to make sure every household was sufficiently covered.
“We hope to start distribution by end of January, well ahead of Malaria peak season which usually starts in March,” he said.
Treated mosquito nets have a dual purpose in fighting malaria as they act as a barrier to mosquito bites and also kill the parasites.
“We are keeping our ears open for any outbreaks and the government has made sure that malaria test-kits and medication are readily available. We are prepared for this season,” he said.
Post published in: News