MoH to distribute 15.3m nets to 23m people in 22 malaria-burdened counties

The campaign will begin on November 15, according to a statement by State Department for Public Health PS Mary Muthoni issued on Sunday. 

It will kick off at the Ndiru stadium in Homa Bay and will see, among others, Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula, Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, international health organisations, and community leaders in attendance.

"This campaign signifies a continued commitment to combat malaria, representing a formidable step towards universal coverage with nets and a substantial impact in Kenya's ongoing battle against malaria," Muthoni told the media. 

The distribution of the nets to community members, which is in line with the Ministry's goal of a Malaria-free Kenya is expected to cover 22 high malaria-burden counties, targeting some 23 million people with 15.3 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets.

"These counties, situated in lake and coastal regions - Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Kwale, Mombasa, Taita-Taveta Vihiga, Homabay, Bungoma, Kakamega West Pokot, Turkana, Trans-Nzoia, Narok, Baringo, Kirinyaga - are at the forefront of our efforts to combat malaria," the statement adds. 

"Through active community engagement, the campaign seeks to empower individuals to take control of their health, fostering a sense of resilience and collective responsibility in the fight against malaria."

Malaria still accounts for 13–18 percent of all outpatient attendance in public health facilities, according to data from the MoH, and an estimated 15 percent of all admissions to health facilities based on passive case reports. 

According to the MoH, the distribution of the nets has proven effective, marked by a significant drop in malaria prevalence from 8% to 6% nationally, as per the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey in 2015 and 2020, respectively.