Kemsa distributes mosquito nets to curb malaria in three counties

KEMSA CEO Waqo Ejersa (centre) with other KEMSA officials inspecting mosquito nets at the authority's Nakuru Depot. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Global Fund, through the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, is distributing mosquito nets in malaria-endemic regions across the country.

The ambitious campaign will see at least 290,000 mosquito nets issued to households at a time when some counties – including Baringo – are reporting a spike in highland malaria, which has already claimed lives.

Baringo is among three counties with a population of 474,000, set to benefit from mosquito nets. Eldama Ravine sub-county has already received 95,000 nets, while Mogotio and Baringo South got 72,000 and 80,000 nets respectively.

Families in Narok North and Trans Mara sub-counties, in Narok County also received the mosquito nets. Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muriuki said efforts to combat malaria go beyond the distribution of nets.

“Apart from mosquito nets the ministry has recruited and equipped 107,831 Community Health Promoters nationwide and provided them with comprehensive training and they are at the first level of response in villages to curb the spread of malaria,” said Muriuki.

The PS was accompanied by Narok Deputy Governor, Tamalinye Koech, National Director of Primary Healthcare, Joseph Lenai, and Narok County Commissioner, Kipkech Lotiatia.

Ms Muriuki said they are giving four nets per household to ensure over a million people are protected from malaria and the exercise is targeting pregnant women and children. 

She said the ministry has also established 189 of the targeted 315 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across the country to ensure health services are accessible to all, including remote and underserved areas mostly in malaria-endemic counties.   

Kemsa CEO Waqo Dulacha, acknowledged the role of the Global Fund and the US government in the initiative, saying they have supported it through the National Treasury.

“They have supported us through the National Treasury and the Ministry of Health to a tune of 10.9 million nets to about 22 counties,” he said.  

Hilda Otieno, George Sayagie and Kiprono Kurgat