Mpongwe to get 10m mosquito nets
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE End Malaria Council Zambia (EMCZ) has announced plans to distribute 10 million mosquito nets in Mpongwe District before August this year.
In an interview with The Mast, EMCZ liaison officer Dennis Musonda urged residents to register for the nets, citing the abundant rainfall as a factor contributing to the current surge in mosquitoes.
“Normal to abnormal rainfall this year has led to more mosquitoes,” Dr Musonda said.
He said the council distributes nets every three years, with Mpongwe set to benefit this year.
Dr Musonda said expectant mothers and children immunised against measles at nine months would receive free nets.
He dismissed claims that Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) breeds mosquitoes, saying sprayed houses were mosquito-free zones.
“I wish to clear the public myth about houses under IRS to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In fact, those are no-go areas for mosquitoes and those refusing IRS become hosts to fleeing mosquitoes,” he said.
The announcement comes amid pleas from Chowa Village residents, who claim the IRS was not effective in eradicating mosquitoes and demanded nets.
Village elder Agness Mutale warned of a potential surge in malaria cases.
“The mosquitoes are too much here and this IRS is not working for us. Let the government provide mosquito nets for our people here. We want government help,” she said.
