Eastern Equatoria govt. launch mosquito net distribution to combat malaria

By The City Review

The government of Eastern Equatoria State in collaboration with its partners, launched a large-scale campaign on Tuesday to distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This initiative aims to reduce the spread of malaria and protect local communities, particularly children and pregnant women.

The campaign’s launch in Torit was attended by the governors of the state’s eight counties, along with representatives from the Imehejek and Kauto Administrative Areas.

Emmanuel Baringo, CEO of HealthLink in South Sudan, stated, “The distribution of treated mosquito nets is a crucial step adopted by the government to protect our communities from malaria, which is the leading cause of death in the country, especially among children.” “We are committed, in collaboration with our partners, to ensuring that every household receives one net for every two people,” he added.

Baringo explained that distribution teams will conduct door-to-door visits to ensure that all households receive the nets. He noted that the campaign will cover approximately 1.16 million nets across all counties of Eastern Equatoria. The campaign will also cover six counties in Central Equatoria, using the same door-to-door distribution method to ensure access to remote communities.

Baringo warned against the misuse or sale of the nets, citing past challenges during the 2023 campaign, when some nets were stolen. “The nets belong to the government, and our partners are helping us reach the most isolated communities,” he said.

Ambayo Peter, UNICEF’s health officer for Greater Equatoria, said the disease affects approximately 40% of cases recorded at health facilities during the rainy season, emphasizing that nets are an effective preventative measure: “In Eastern Equatoria alone, the campaign aims to protect nearly two million people and more than 300,000 households.”

Peter stressed on the importance of proper use of the nets and preventing their misuse, emphasizing the need for accountability to ensure that the most vulnerable benefit. For his part, Thomas Kuten, the Minister of Health in Eastern Equatoria State, praised the commitment of the governors and local representatives despite the difficulties of traveling from remote areas, stressing that everyone’s cooperation is essential to ensure the success of the distribution process and to protect the population from the risk of malaria.