A newly-developed microscope, complete with ready-to-use malaria test slides, on display at the malaria conference in Nairobi. (Photo Courtesy Hezron Njoroge/Nation)

Nairobi — At least 80 per cent of Kenyans living in malaria-prone areas will be protected from contracting the disease in the next four years, according to a new plan.

The National Malaria Strategy 2009-2017 was launched on Wednesday evening at a Nairobi hotel on the sidelines of the 5th Pan-African Malaria conference.

Public Health Assistant minister applauded the policy adding it would help Kenya control malaria and eventually eradicate the disease.

"Malaria control is a collective task for all Kenyans," he said during the launch of the government blueprint.

The plan was developed through a multi-sectoral approach after recommendations from the malaria programme review from March to June this year.

Titled Towards a Malaria Free Kenya: Possible through interventions, the policy will involve various development partners in combating the disease in the set period.

Also present at the function was the Malaria Goodwill ambassador Julius Meme, head, Division Malaria control Elizabeth Juma and the head of the department of Disease Control and Prevention Willis Akwale.

Education PS Karega Mutahi was also present in support of the school programme that will see institutions of learning involved in the national campaign.

According to the ministry, the eight-year plan was developed after the government noted that despite the reduced malaria burden, children less than five years were at risk.

Infant mortality reduced by 44 per cent after the government campaign on consistent use of treated nets, Mr Gesami added.

Malaria is the leading cause of death in Kenya, mostly affecting the rural poor, especially young children and pregnant women.

It also accounts for 30 per cent of out-patient attendances and 19 per cent of admissions to health facilities.

Almost 36,000 children die every year from malaria in Kenya.

The government intends to distribute Insect Treated mosquito Nets every three years to all household in high risk areas.

So far government statistics indicate that 21 million ITN's have been distributed since 2003 with at least 58 per cent of children in endemic areas sleeping under them every night..

Boarding schools and prisons will also be targeted in an indoor residual spraying campaign aimed at reducing disease prevalence in the areas.