Over 450 thousand mosquito nets are expected to be distributed in Chikwawa in a bid to curb malaria infections in the district.
This comes as government is currently conducting a national wide free nets distribution campaign which is being funded by the Global Fund.
In an interview, Seth Piriminta, spokesperson for the Chikwawa District Health Office has disclosed that malaria remains a burden in the district as it continues to record an increase in cases.
According to Piriminta, in 2018, the district recorded about 280 cases per 1,000 people while in 2,020 the district recorded over 430 malaria cases per 1,000 people.
“As you can see from the figures, there is an increase in malaria cases but as Chikwawa District Health Office, we are doing our best by among other means coming up with various interventions to bring down the numbers”. said Piriminta
Meanwhile Joseph Mwalija, Village Head Nchekambondo in the area of Senior Chief Misomali in Chikwawa district told MIJ Online that since starting to benefit from the mosquito nets, malaria cases have improved in his community.
“We are very grateful for the free nets because in the past my area used to register many cases of Malaria, but now things are improving and with these new nets I will ensure my subjects are not abusing the nets such as for making makeshift garden fence”. Village Head Nchekambondo
Government is expected to distribute 9.2 million mosquito nets in this campaign.