Lodwar – 27th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The National Malaria Control Program, along with Turkana County Department of Health and Sanitation, have commenced the distribution of 660,148 Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).

The exercise, which targets 163,028 households across Turkana county, aims to minimize the spread of malaria and improve community health outcomes. 

While speaking during the distribution launch at Kanamkemer Primary School, The County Executive for Health and Sanitation, Longole Wangiros, highlighted the importance of this exercise in strengthening malaria prevention. 

“The county is committed to ensuring that every household has access to treated nets as a measure in our malaria control strategy. These nets will help reduce malaria infections and improve health outcomes for our people,” he said. 

The Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Ezekiel Etelej, emphasized the need for proper usage of the distributed nets. 

“We urge everyone to use the nets as advised by the Community Health Promoters (CHPs), using them consistently will significantly lower malaria transmission in Turkana, especially during this period of increased cases,” he noted. 

According to the Kenya Health Information System, in 2024 June and July the county reported 76,516 positive malaria cases.

Why motivated the Ministry to register households for the nets-What was the problem?

The exercise, which saw over 289,000 residents reached on the first day, forms part of a larger campaign to reach 1.1 million people across the county.  

Also present during the distribution were Health Committee Chair, Bethwel Kobongin, and County Coordinator for Malaria, David Ekai.