Residents of Namule, Igola, and Angorom in Getom Sub-county, Katakwi District, have urged the government to conduct regular indoor residual spraying and redistribute mosquito nets, citing a surge in mosquitoes in swampy areas such as Micoka and Aibapet.
Abdalah Okeris and other residents said malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
They called for quarterly distribution of mosquito nets in high-risk areas to prevent malaria. Residents also warned that mosquitoes contribute to other public health threats, including lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, Zika virus, dengue, and chikungunya, and called for a coordinated government response.
During the recent launch of Bactivec and Griselesf biolarvicide in Katakwi—donated by the Republic of Tanzania following lobbying by Vice President Rtd Maj Jessica Rose Alupo—the Assistant District Health Officer, Christine Atim, said malaria prevalence in the district remains high.
“Out of every 10 patients seen at OPD, five test positive for malaria,” she said, emphasizing the need for regular net redistribution under the Universal Net Distribution Program.
Dr Alfred Mubangizi, Assistant Commissioner for Vector-Borne and Neglected Transmitted Diseases at the Ministry of Health, said the government remains committed to disease prevention. He expressed concern that preventable illnesses continue to affect communities.
In addition to indoor residual spraying and net distribution, Dr Mubangizi said the Ministry has introduced Laveside larvicide in high-malaria districts. The larvicide targets mosquito breeding sites, including stagnant water and bushy areas.
He also urged residents to use mosquito nets correctly and avoid repurposing them for fishing.
