Rukungiri District has begun distributing 229,500 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to households across the district and Rukungiri Municipality. This effort aims to protect residents against malaria, following a Ministry of Health directive. The distribution, which started on October 26, 2026, comes three months after the consignment was officially flagged off on July 22, 2026. Village Health Teams (VHTs) will deliver the mosquito nets to residents in their respective communities.
The mosquito net consignment comprises 4,590 bales, each containing 50 nets, intended for distribution across 105 parishes in Rukungiri District and Rukungiri Municipality. Allocations are based on the population of each parish. Before the distribution, VHTs underwent training to prepare them for the exercise and ensure the nets reach the intended beneficiaries. Rukungiri District Health Educator, Dr. Aliban Natukunda, oversaw the preparations for the distribution.
The distribution exercise is expected to run for two days, with every household set to receive mosquito nets. Dr. Akasiima Mucunguzi, the District Health Officer, urged residents to sleep under the mosquito nets every night to protect themselves against malaria. He emphasized the importance of consistent and proper use of the nets to maximize protection.
The Chairperson of Eastern Division, Gashom Twesigye, called on residents to make proper use of the mosquito nets provided by the government to prevent malaria. He encouraged residents to await other government programs while utilizing the nets effectively. The distribution centers, including Nyabubare Buhunga Subcounty, reported a smooth exercise, although some challenges were encountered in finding unregistered individuals and discrepancies in the number of nets allocated to households.
In Nyabubare Buhunga Subcounty, 200 nets were distributed to 101 households. The Chairperson LC I, Mwesigwa Jackson, reported that the distribution was going well but noted some issues with unregistered individuals and households receiving fewer nets than registered. The distribution exercise aims to reduce malaria infections and deaths, particularly among children and pregnant women.
Uganda periodically conducts mass distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets through the Ministry of Health and its development partners. Health officials continue to encourage households to sleep under the nets consistently to maximize protection against malaria. The government has been working to increase access to mosquito nets and promote their use to combat malaria.
The distribution of mosquito nets in Rukungiri District is part of a broader effort to control malaria in Uganda. The country has been working to reduce the incidence of malaria through various interventions, including the distribution of mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and improved case management. The Ministry of Health and its partners continue to monitor the situation and adjust their strategies as needed to achieve their goals.
Key points
- The distribution of 229,500 mosquito nets aims to protect residents of Rukungiri District against malaria.
- The exercise, which started on October 26, 2026, is expected to run for two days and cover 105 parishes in Rukungiri District and Rukungiri Municipality.
- Health officials are encouraging households to sleep under the mosquito nets consistently to maximize protection against malaria.
