By Tolit Ivan, Norbert Mao and Omony Denis
In a bid to reinforce the fight against malaria, the Health Ministry with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently distributing Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets across the country. A total of 25.8 million mosquito nets will be distributed across 130 districts.
Administrative units in Acholi sub region that have received the donation include Gulu city that received 3,107 bales, Nwoya district received 144,200 bales while Gulu District got 1,686 bales of mosquito nets. Agago District has received 3,704 bales of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Under the distribution plan, one net will be allocated for every two people in a household.
The donation comes at a time when the region is grappling with increasing cases of malaria. According to a report released during the 2025 Regional Health Assembly, malaria accounted for 3,249 death cases.
Malaria is a major public health problem in Uganda, with a high burden of cases and deaths, particularly among children. While efforts to control malaria are ongoing, it remains a leading cause of illness and mortality.
Miriam Nanyonjo, the head of Mosquito Net Distribution Team at the Ministry of Health said the donation is part of the government’s broader campaign to reduce malaria infections and protect vulnerable communities, especially children and pregnant women against disease.
In Gulu district, the exercise was officially flagged off by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Gulu, Cosmas James Okidi, who said the distribution will follow a parish-based model using the structures of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Under this arrangement, the parish chief will lead the exercise, working together with parish leaders and village leaders to ensure the mosquito nets reach the intended households.
Government has in recent years intensified malaria prevention campaigns through mass distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and public health awareness programs.
