KENYA Medical Research Institute yesterday launched a four-year Insect Resistance Programme in Teso and three other districts in Nyanza.

The project that has also been initiated in Rachuonyo, Bondo and Nyando will entail the use of programme digital assistance.

Launching the programme in Amagoro, Kemri official Dr Julius Otido said they want to establish why some mosquitoes are resistance to insecticides used.

Otido said they will follow children under five years in those areas where mosquito upsurge is rampant. "We shall use the designated time to follow children under four years of age and the use of bed nets.

We shall undertake rapid diagnostic tests. Where children who test positive to malaria don't heal they will be referred to the nearest health centre," he said.

The project will be run in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation and the division of malaria control in the respective districts.

Dr. Otido said a total of 22 Community Health Workers drawn from 11 clusters in the larger Teso have been mandated to carry the task.

He said the CHWs will be paid monthly stipends for their work, adding that there was need by the government to recognize their role.

Otido said the ministry wants to get evidence regarding mosquito resistance with a view to finding alternative to AL anti malaria drugs.