South West gets over 850,000 mosquito nets to fight malaria

Some 862,956 treated long-lasting mosquito bed nets are being distributed to the residents of South West Region. The free distribution of the insecticide-treated bed nets for containing malaria was launched in Buea by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilaï, on November 10, 2015.

Governor Bernard Okalia Bilaï urged the people to effectively use the nets to prevent mosquito bites. He added that if this is done, it will go a long way to reduce the rate of falling sick or dying of malaria in the region.

The Governor presented statistics showing that malaria remains the number one killer disease worldwide. He enjoined all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the civil society and religious leaders to join in the fight against malaria. Governor Bernard Okalia Bilaï warned against malpractices in the distribution.

The South West Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Victor Mbome Njie, disclosed that malaria accounts for 30 per cent of consultations and remains the leading cause of deaths, especially among infants.

Cognizant of this reality, Cameroon and the Global Fund for Health for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, have initiated the second national campaign for the free distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to all households in the country.

Mosquito bed nets, Dr. Victor Mbome noted, have proven to be highly effective in the fight against malaria because they prevent it by 35 per cent.