Mass mosquito net distribution kicks off in Tana River County

The Ministry of Health has launched a mass distribution of mosquito nets in Tana River County to combat malaria in high-risk areas.

Health PS Mary Muthoni in a statement on Tuesday, May 28, revealed that the county is set to receive 280,004 mosquito nets.

The figure, she said, is based on the Global Fund and The National Malaria Program’s 2022 population estimate for Tana River, which stands at 351,027 people.

Muthoni said the distribution strategy would ensure one net for every two individuals, with an additional 30 per cent buffer to accommodate growth.

“The Global Fund and The National Malaria Program in 2022 gave a projected population estimate for Tana River to be 351,027 people. With the principles of every net for 2 individuals and a buffer of an additional 30 per cent, Tana River is expected to receive 280,004 nets. Galole is receiving 78,853, Bura 102,664 and Garsen 98,487,” said Muthoni.

“These nets as we launch this campaign for Tana River are all expected to be at the distribution posts and are being issued from today for the next 5 days.”

The nets will be distributed from three main storage points across 278 posts, with Galole hosting 81, Tana Delta 94, and Bura 103.

Residents are to be notified via text message about the collection details a day or two in advance.

The ministry stressed that the nets would exclusively be used for human protection against mosquito bites warning against repurposing for fishing or guarding crops and livestock.