Free Mosquito Nets Get High-Tech Boost in Fight to Wipe Out Malaria

Malaria hasn’t met its match just yet, but the fight against this deadly disease is getting a significant upgrade.

The Kenyan government, with the backing of the Global Fund, is deploying a brand new system to distribute free mosquito nets across 22 counties, including Trans Nzoia.

This high-tech approach aims to achieve a critical goal: ensuring transparency and efficiency in getting life-saving nets to the people who need them most.

Out with the old, in with the new – say goodbye to manual registration, a system rife with theft and unequal distribution. Now, beneficiaries can register digitally using a simple USSD code (*358#). This ensures each person receives exactly one net, eliminating the possibility of some individuals grabbing extras while others go without.

The digital revolution extends to the anti-malaria campaign teams as well. No more waiting months for facilitation payments – under the new system, funds will be electronically deposited directly into their M-Pesa accounts within five days.

Trans Nzoia County, with a concerning malaria prevalence rate of 20% compared to the national average of 6%, is a prime target for this program. Hundreds of thousands of residents can expect to receive mosquito nets in the coming weeks.

To bolster the effort, healthcare workers will be equipped with the latest knowledge through malaria control training scheduled for April 5th-7th. Registration for nets kicks off on April 8th, with distribution following later in the month.

This digital transformation signifies a new chapter in Kenya’s fight against malaria. By leveraging technology, the country is taking a more targeted and efficient approach to eradicating this preventable disease. This not only protects individual lives but also strengthens public health infrastructure, paving the way for a healthier future for all Kenyans.