Health ministry distributes mosquito nets in Gwanda South

By Jonah B Moyo

GWANDA- The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has embarked on a massive distribution of mosquito nets to 17 wards in Gwanda South to curb the early outbreak of malaria.

In the ministry’s reporting week ending 3 April 2025, there were 3304 reported cases and eight malaria related deaths, the highest from Manicaland and Mashonaland Central provinces, bringing the cumulative figures to 1939 reported cases and 52 deaths.

Mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous insects globally due to their role in transmitting various diseases to humans, and one villager, Christine Selome shared her appreciation for the ministry’s initiative in preventing malaria.

“I have witnessed first hand the devastating impact of malaria on individuals and communities. It is a deadly disease that demands our attention and action. That is why I am thrilled that the Ministry has taken proactive steps to distribute mosquito nets to communities, ensuring that no one falls victim to this disease,” she said, further highlighting that the initiative is particularly crucial for the region, where the temperatures are high and with the heavy rainfall received creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Another villager, Khulekani Siminya, asked that the ministry educate communities on how to properly use the mosquito nets.

“While we are grateful for the mosquito nets, however their effectiveness is compromised by a lack of awareness on their proper use. Unfortunately, some individuals have repurposed these nets for fishing, leaving their homes unprotected,” he advised.

“On a visit to Tuli River you will find people using mosquito nets to catch fish, while their families back home remain without this essential protection. We urge the Ministry of Health and Child Care to conduct awareness programmes, educating people on the correct use of these nets and establishing clear guidelines to prevent their misuse for fishing purposes,” said Siminya.

In an interview, Gwanda District Health Promotion Officer, Miss Ruwadzano Caroline Whande, revealed that the MoHCC is conducting a distribution of mosquito nets in Gwanda District.

“We have decided to distribute mosquito nets to 17 wards in Gwanda South to prevent an early outbreak of malaria in our communities. As we all know, prevention is better than cure, which is why we will start distributing these nets, starting this weekend to achieve what is called Universal Coverage,” she said.

The Gwanda District Health Promotion Officer also revealed that they conducted a pre-assessment report relating to the targeted wards.

“Before distributing the insecticide-treated mosquito nets, we conducted a pre-assessment in the selected wards to determine the approximate number of nets needed. We do not distribute one net per household, instead, we assess the number of sleeping rooms in each household to provide enough nets for every bedroom, ensuring no one is left without protection,” she said.

Whande also revealed the ways of using the nets that are treated with insecticides.

“We advise people to hang their nets in the shade for about 12 hours before using them, to prevent any potential effects from the insecticide. Please note that direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause the insecticide to break down, reducing the net’s effectiveness as the the insecticide is designed to repel mosquitoes, keeping them away from the net and the people using it,” said the Health Promotion Officer.

Individuals experiencing discomfort or feeling suffocated by the mosquito nets have been advised to gently wash the net with clean water without soap, avoiding harsh scrubbing, then hanging it in the shade for another 12 hours before retrying.

“If the problem continues, please consult the nearest Environmental Health Technician (EHT) or visit the nearest hospital for assistance,” she said.

Whande advised that they will do awareness campaigns in communities about the use to the mosquito nets.

“We are aware that some individuals are misusing mosquito nets for purposes like fishing, rather than their intended use.To address this, we will be conducting awareness campaigns in communities to educate people on the primary purpose of these nets,” she advised further sharing that it is essential that communities know that the nets have a lifespan of three years and must be replaced thereafter.