Launch of National Multi-Agency Steering Committee for Insecticide Treated Mosquito Net Mass Distribution Campaign

Nairobi Thursday13 July 2023 Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki, leading the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, has announced the launch of the National Multi-Agency Steering Committee and Sub-Committees for the distribution campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (LLINs). This initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against malaria.

During her address at Afya House, the Principal Secretary highlighted the collective commitment among various agencies to ensure the success of the mass LLIN distribution campaign, scheduled to commence in November 2023 within targeted areas.

"The campaign's objective is to achieve universal coverage in malaria-endemic and western highlands epidemic-prone areas across all counties," stated Ms. Muthoni.

She further informed that Kenya has adopted the recommendation of the World Health Organization, which advocates for conducting mass LLIN distribution campaigns every three years. This strategy aims to effectively increase the coverage and utilization of LLINs for malaria vector control.

While acknowledging the positive impact of previous LLIN distribution campaigns, resulting in a significant reduction in national malaria prevalence, the Principal Secretary emphasized that malaria remains a major public health and socio-economic issue, affecting a significant portion of the population. "Our unwavering commitment to vector control as the primary strategy for eradicating malaria is crucial," she urged.

The mass LLIN campaign planned for 2024 will be carried out in 28 malaria-prone counties, with the distribution target set at approximately 18.3 million nets.