By Abednego Sibale

Nkhata Bay, November 11, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Hospital Community Malaria Coordinator, Emmanuel Mapondera says government is this year expected to distribute insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to 84,292 households in the district.

In an interview on Monday along the sidelines of mass distribution of the nets at Mkumbira, Mapondera said the district has incidence rate of 954 malaria cases per 1,000 people annually hence the intervention.

He said the initiative is one of the means government has put in place to eradicate Malaria in the country by 2030 and therefore every net distributed counts.

"Our initial plan was to distribute 188,799 ITNs as per registration. However, we have a shortfall of 261,534 nets. As such, we are providing one net to three people with a maximum of three nets per household,” said Mapondera.

He advised households which have received the nets against selling them but use them for the intended purpose.

A mother of four, Emily Kamwemba from Mkumbira Village commended government for the support and promised to put it to good use so that her family is Malaria free.

"We are thankful for these free mosquito nets as not everyone can afford to buy on their own. My children will now be having peaceful sleep and protected from mosquito bites,” said Kamwendo.

The campaign, which targets 19 million people with 11.7 million ITNs across the country, is being implemented through Malaria Control Programme with funding from Global Fund.