By Burnett Munthali
Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, has issued a strong warning to communities across Malawi to stop selling mosquito nets provided by the government. Daud emphasized that these nets are meant to protect families from malaria and should be used as intended.
The warning was made during the launch of the 2024 Insecticide-Treated Nets Mass Distribution Campaign, which coincided with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Malaria Week commemoration in Balaka district. Daud expressed concern over reports of people selling the mosquito nets, stressing that proper use of these resources is crucial to combating malaria, a disease that continues to pose a serious public health threat in Malawi.
Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Gajula, Malaria Product Specialist for FOSUN PHARMA and INTERMED PHARMACEUTICALS in Malawi, underscored the importance of collective efforts in the fight against malaria. Gajula noted that his company is collaborating closely with the government and various stakeholders to supply malaria drugs, as part of a broader strategy to reduce malaria infections in Malawi.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria affects over 250 million people globally each year. The government, together with private sector partners, hopes that consistent use of insecticide-treated nets and access to effective medication will significantly reduce malaria cases in Malawi.
