The state minister for health Ms Anifa Kawooya Bangirana has warned residents in Karamoja to desist from misusing mosquito nets, something she said was the major cause of high cases of malaria in Karamoja region.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday while launching the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) for Karamoja region in Moroto district.
“We have been told most people in Karamoja cut mosquito nets for building their houses while others use them for capturing seasonal white ants, fishing and even selling them which is dangerous,” she said.
She directed the resident district commissioners in the region and the district chairpersons to closely monitor the misuse of government mosquito nets which are given to the community to fight malaria.
Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the ministry of health said 70 children out of 100 who fall sick in every district in Karamoja test positive for malaria.
“Karamoja region has the highest burden of malaria cases which we must fight by proper use of mosquito nets,” he said.
.Noman Ocero the member of parliament for Labuwor county in Abim district said malaria has turned to be the worst enemy, frustrating the household income of many families in Karamoja.
David Koryang, the district chairperson of Moroto who spoke on behalf of the nine chairpersons of Karamoja present at the event, promised to senzitise the masses to make proper use of mosquito nets.
“We will do our best as political leaders to mobilize the community to makeproper use of mosquitos nets,” he said.URN
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