The government has kicked off a mass campaign to distribute 15.1 million long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLIN) to 23 Counties that are endemic to malaria.
Head of the National Malaria Control Programme, Dr Waqo Ejersa confirmed the exercise valued to cost Sh5.6 billion is part of a sustained campaign to fight the mosquito-borne disease.
It is earmarked to take two years and end in 2018 starting now. The government hopes to cover Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Vihiga Counties with 3.2 million bed nets by mid next month, around the World Malaria Day, which comes up on April 25.
“This will be followed by distributions in Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kericho, Kilifi, Kisii, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot,” Erjesa said on Monday.
The nets have been allocated according to the number of people in a household, Ergesa added. One net is apportioned to two people and the government seeks to ensure that the campaign covers everyone in the target Counties.
