The Ministry of Health in Western Equatoria State on Friday officially launched a large-scale distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) aimed at combating malaria across the state.
The campaign, implemented in partnership with HealthNet TPO, will target 153,497 households across all ten counties of the state.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Charles Arube Okidi, the Country Director of HealthNet TPO, said the organization will ensure that treated mosquito nets are distributed to vulnerable communities, particularly children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are most at risk of malaria.
“This time we want to make sure that everyone is supported with mosquito nets in Western Equatoria State to avoid sickness and suffering caused by malaria,” he said.
Representing the state’s ten county commissioners, Ezo County Commissioner Abel Sudan described health as a top priority and praised donors for supporting the fight against malaria. He urged authorities and communities to work together to eliminate the disease.
He also appealed to community leaders to monitor the proper use of the mosquito nets, warning against misusing them for fishing or farming activities. He stressed that the nets must be used strictly for protecting families from malaria.
The representative of UNICEF in Western Equatoria State, Clement Gbatanawo, said the intervention comes at a critical time. He noted that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children and pregnant women in South Sudan, accounting for about 38 percent of reported sickness and deaths. He added that malaria affects school attendance, household income, productivity, and overall community wellbeing.
Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, who presided over the event, declared a firm commitment to eliminating malaria in the state.
“As Governor of Western Equatoria State, I have declared war against mosquitoes causing malaria among our children under five, women, and the elderly,” he said. “I will work together with all ten county commissioners to ensure this fight is won.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko Baime, the Undersecretary in the National Ministry of Health, who led a delegation to officiate the launch, congratulated the governor on his appointment and reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to strengthening health service delivery in the state.
Communities across Western Equatoria have been urged to properly install and consistently use the mosquito nets to ensure maximum protection and improve public health outcomes.