Nyamira: In a significant advancement towards malaria prevention, Nyamira County has launched a digitized Mass Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) distribution programme, aimed at ensuring that every targeted household benefits effectively from the initiative.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyamira acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for health, Benard Maina, the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicated high ITN ownership in Nyamira. However, it also revealed a concerning increase in fever cases among children under five in rural areas like Nyamira. “This alarming trend is a red flag, necessitating our mass ITN distribution campaign,” Maina stated.
Ms. Christine Wayua, an officer from the national malaria programme, during a sensitization session for Nyamira county stakeholders, explained the shift to digital distribution of ITNs. The change is in response to gaps observed in previous manual distributions, where issues like uneven distribution and unused ITNs were prevalent. “During the previous mass ITN distribution programme, some deserving households missed out, while some were given more than needed. This new digital approach is designed to portray a true picture of the county’s needs and ensure proper ITN usage,” Wayua said.
Maina emphasized the importance of community education on the proper use of ITNs to prevent malaria. “We are undertaking a comprehensive sensitization exercise to inform residents about the benefits of using ITNs and avoiding misuse for other purposes like fencing or as fishing nets,” he explained.
Ms. Wanyua outlined preliminary activities leading up to the ITN distribution, including stakeholder sensitization and ensuring everyone understands their roles in the success of the exercise. “We will disseminate a comprehensive report post-distribution to provide insights on the exercise’s effectiveness, challenges encountered, and lessons learned for future programmes,” Wanyua added.
She highlighted that Nyamira is the second county to implement this digitized approach, following Homabay, due to its classification as a malaria-endemic zone. Wanyua also recognized the contribution of partners and investors supporting the government in this initiative.
The County commissioner, representing national administrative officers, commended the government’s efforts in combating malaria and pledged full support during the sensitization, registration, and distribution phases.
The shift to a digital ITN distribution method aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and inform post-distribution surveys, guiding future policy adjustments and interventions towards making Kenya malaria-free.
The completion of the mass digitized ITN distribution programme in Nyamira is expected by the end of the month.