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Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Health authorities in Luwero District have had to postpone the distribution of mosquito nets until further notice after sub-county officials failed to enter data into a digital platform they were provided.
The distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Mosquito Nets (LLINs)was announced in July as part of government efforts to reduce Malaria morbidity and mortality.
The campaign dubbed ‘Under the Net’ started in districts with the highest prevalence of Malaria covering 16 districts under wave one. The 16 are Alebtong, Amolatar, Budaka, Bugiri, Butebo, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Kalakai, Kibuku, Namutumba, Pallisa, Isingiro, Kakumiro, Lyantonde, Ntoroko, and Kibaale.
Distribution of nets under wave II started on July 15 and went on until July 20 in 10 Districts of Buhweju, Kalangala, Sheema, Rubirizi, Kiruhura, Mitooma, Serere, Soroti, Namisindwa and Lira. Luwero District had set today, Saturday, October 21, as the day for the distribution exercise.
But according to a statement issued on Friday evening, by Luwero District Health Officer (DHO)Dr Innocent Nkonwa, the exercise was deferred after the reported failure by some sub-counties to enter the data into the digital platform.
In the statement, Dr Nkonwa says they have decided to use today and tomorrow for a mop-up which will help to harmonise data from all sub-counties.
Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng announced that the government intended to distribute 28.5 million across the country under the campaign carried out with support from The Global Fund and Against Malaria Foundation. The campaign aimed to achieve consistent net use, net repair, repurposing and tackling the social norms that bar utilization.
The use of mosquito nets has been shown to reduce childhood mortality by up to 25 per cent.
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