Ministry calls on Kenyans to sleep under mosquito nets
The government yesterday told Kenyans to sleep under mosquito nets as it grapples with a funding gap of Sh24 billion to address shortfalls in malaria control.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni said yesterday behaviour change is critical in safeguarding the gains made in the fight against malaria, which has recently recorded some decline.
For instance, malaria prevalence decreased from about 11 percent in 2010 to 6 percent in 2020. At a glance, the PS noted that this looks like the change is small over a period of 10 years; however, quoting malaria experts (malarialologists), she said they are saying, the change is a significant one.
“We have made significant strides in the fight against malaria over the past few years, which demonstrate the effectiveness of multisectoral collaboration between the Ministry of Health, key government departments, all stakeholders and a strong community engagement.
“However, what will count more is behaviour change in the community as we continue to look for funds to address the gaps identified,” she said at a Nairobi hotel yesterday where the Ministry and partners set the ball rolling for the celebrations to mark the World Malaria Day, in Kisumu tomorrow.
