The Gabonese Health Ministry, through its National Program to Fight Malaria (PNLP), has organized a 3-day workshop in Tchibanga, in the southwestern province of Nyanga. The workshop, which began on November 10, 2026, aims to evaluate storage capacity and conduct micro-planning ahead of a nationwide distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. The event is supported by the Global Fund and brings together participants from various sectors, including administration, local authorities, defense and security forces, and local communities.
The workshop's objectives include assessing storage capacity and planning the logistics for the upcoming mass distribution campaign, scheduled for January 2027. According to Hugues Ronel Essanga Ngomo, coordinator of the mass campaign and team leader in Nyanga, the PNLP has initiated a deployment phase to prepare for the operation. The goal is to carefully plan the distribution to ensure that bed nets are delivered to those who need them most.
On the first day of the workshop, participants worked with facilitators to harmonize data on the geographic environment of Mougoutsi department and Tchibanga commune. This exercise aimed to identify areas of need and plan the distribution of bed nets accordingly. The PNLP, in partnership with the Global Fund, is currently conducting similar workshops in all 46 departments of Gabon to prepare for the mass distribution campaign.
The workshop in Tchibanga is part of a broader effort to prevent malaria in Gabon. The country has been working to strengthen its malaria control measures, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. The PNLP has been at the forefront of these efforts, working with local communities, authorities, and partners to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to effective prevention and treatment.
According to Thierry Noël Mamboudou, regional health director for South Gabon, the workshop is a critical step in preparing for the upcoming campaign. He emphasized the importance of careful planning to ensure that the distribution of bed nets is effective and reaches those who need them most. The workshop will also provide an opportunity for participants to discuss strategies for addressing challenges and ensuring the success of the campaign.
The PNLP's efforts to prevent malaria in Gabon have been supported by the Global Fund, which has provided significant funding for malaria control programs in the country. The partnership has enabled the PNLP to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. The upcoming mass distribution campaign is expected to benefit thousands of people in Gabon.
The workshop in Tchibanga will conclude after three days, with participants expected to have developed a comprehensive plan for the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets in the region. The PNLP will use the plans developed during the workshop to guide the implementation of the mass distribution campaign, which is set to begin in January 2027.
Key points
- The Gabonese Health Ministry is holding a 3-day workshop in Tchibanga to evaluate storage capacity and plan the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets ahead of a nationwide malaria prevention campaign.
