NAKASONGOLA FLAGS OFF 2,889 CARTONS OF MOSQUITO NETS TO COMBAT MALARIA

Nakasongola District has officially received and flagged off 2,889 cartons of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets from the Government of Uganda in a renewed effort to strengthen malaria prevention and protect communities against one of the country's leading public health challenges.

The mosquito nets, supplied through the National Medical Stores (NMS), will be distributed to households across all parishes in the district beginning next week. Under the distribution plan, each household will receive one mosquito net for every two family members.

While presenting the consignment to the district leadership, the Acting District Health Officer, Mr. Kirya Ronald, confirmed the receipt of the 2,889 cartons and said the distribution exercise forms part of the Government of Uganda's nationwide malaria prevention campaign aimed at reducing malaria-related illnesses and deaths.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Kaggwa Daris, commended the Government of Uganda for its continued investment in improving public health through malaria control interventions.

He called upon Local Council I Chairpersons to ensure the mosquito nets are distributed fairly, transparently, and reach all eligible households. Mr. Kaggwa further urged residents to use the nets strictly for their intended purpose, warning against their misuse for activities such as fencing gardens, fishing, or constructing poultry shelters.

The District Chairperson, Mr. Semanda Rogers Kulaba, witnessed the flag-off of the consignment to the parishes and announced that household distribution will commence next week. He noted that the exercise is expected to benefit families across the district, with allocations based on household size to ensure equitable coverage.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Bandeeba Festus Besigye, officially flagged off the consignment to the parishes and applauded the Government of Uganda for prioritising the health of its citizens through sustained malaria prevention programmes.

The RDC encouraged residents to complement the government's efforts by sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets every night, eliminating stagnant water around their homes, clearing bushes where mosquitoes breed, and maintaining proper sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

He also directed sub-county leaders to closely supervise the distribution exercise to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to the mosquito nets throughout the district.

District leaders expressed confidence that the mass distribution campaign will significantly reduce malaria infections, lessen the burden on health facilities, and improve the overall health and well-being of communities across Nakasongola District.