By Chisomo Phiri
In the fight against malaria, the Malawi Government through the Ministry of Health has announced that the 2024 mass distribution exercise of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) is expected to start in September, targeting all districts in the country.
According to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Samson Mndolo,approximately 12 million nets are expected to be distributed.
Dr. Mndolo adds that the distribution exercise, which is to span over nine months, is aimed at achieving universal health coverage which is in line with the government’s goal of eradicating Malaria by 2030.
“Yes, the distribution exercise is set to start in September and we expect to distribute approximately 12 million nets in each district of the country,” says Mndolo.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a microscopic, single-celled parasite, called Plasmodium.
The parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Malaria can be fatal if it is not detected and treated promptly.
However, with the right treatment taken as early as possible, it can be cured.
Malaria is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America and Asia.
Malawi registered 6.4 million Malaria cases with 1,600 deaths in 2023, according to National Malaria Control Program ( NMCP) records.
