GOVERNMENT is set to roll out nearly two million insecticide treated mosquito nets in all malaria prone districts in time for the onset of the rainy season. The nets would replace the long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLIN) that were distributed in 2009 as their effective three-year lifespan has lapsed.

Speaking to journalists at a media updating workshop here yesterday, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare national malaria manager Dr Joseph Mberikunashe said of the figure a consignment of 457 000 nets was already in the country.

These, he said, would be distributed to seven districts while the remainder would be distributed next year in February.

"We are receiving a consignment of US$1,3 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets sometime before the end of this month. We expect to distribute them in the remaining districts of the country where challenges of malaria still persist," he said.

The ministry would now embark on household listing to establish the exact number of people that need the nets.

At least 500 000 more nets would be imported for routine distribution and stocking at health centres for antenatal care.

About 45 of the country's districts mostly in border areas such as Mudzi, Kariba, Matabeleland North and parts of Mashonaland Central are susceptible to malaria.