New Vision (Kampala)
18 June 2009
Kampala — THE Government will start distributing mosquito nets to all Ugandans in September. In opening a new front against the disease, which is the number one killer in Uganda, the Government plans to import 17.4 million nets, enough to allow every two people in the country share a net.
Six million nets have already been distributed in the last three years, while the Government is also going ahead with DDT spraying. About 320 people die every day in Uganda from malaria. Other countries, which achieved universal mosquito net coverage, managed to reduce the disease's prevalence to 1% of the population.
This is, therefore, a commendable initiative. Uganda is blessed with good soil and favourable weather but the country remains poor because these opportunities are not sufficiently exploited.
Malaria plays an important role in this. A sick man is unable to work to full capacity. He is a drain on family and national resources. Many die at a productive age.
The earlier malaria is eradicated, the higher the chance people's energy can be harnessed for the development of the nation.
However, like with many other good initiatives announced by the Government, the problem is implementation. Will the distribution of the nets be done fairly? Will some selfish elements not try to take advantage of the scheme by asking money from poor and ignorant villagers?
But more importantly, will the villagers use the mosquito nets properly? Will they not be torn after one week, or used for fishing nets or wedding dresses?
It is not enough for the Government to just distribute mosquito nets. Health officials need to educate the villagers on why and how to use mosquito nets, and monitor their use so that they don't end up being sold.
Like with universal primary education, the Government should punish parents who do not seem to care enough about their children to protect them from malaria.
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