By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
In an effort to moving closer to a malaria-free future, Ministry of Health and partners are prepared to distribute 5,345,236 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) through a digitalized system nationwide in a press conference at its headquarters in Freetown on Tuesday October 10 2023.
Dr. Abdul Mac Falama, Operations Manager of National Malaria Control Program said for the first time the Ministry of Health piloted digitalization campaign strategy for the distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to prevent and control of malaria as a formidable adversary to the well-being of Sierra Leoneans. He averred that the digitalization of the campaign would be piloted in Bo District; adding that mass campaign would scale up ITNs distribution across the sixteen districts.
He said as a way of achieving World Health Organization’s ITNs coverage threshold of 80%, MoH and partners remained committed to distribute 5,345,236 Insecticide Treated Nets across the country. “We want to achieve universal access to effective ITNs of 80% coverage and register at least 95% of households with the use of digital voucher,” Dr. Falama said.
Program Manager for National Maleria Campaign added that they would ensure that vast number of the households to utilize the nets through the social and behavioral change message strategy.
He said household registration would be aided by digital devices coupled with social mobilization parameters for a smooth strategy of distribution methods. Dr. Falama affirmed that MoH trained independent monitors for the implementation of the pilot campaign and formulates waste management system for recycling of waste.
Dorcas Amolo, Director of Global Fund Project for Christian Relief Society thanked the Ministry of Health and partners for implementing ITNs digitalization process for preventing and controlling of maleria.
She said with the experience learned from other Africa countries, CRS would remain supportive in this course. “We have recruited 32 ICT consultants to lead the utilization process within the sixteen districts and chiefdoms,” Madam Amolo assured.
Dr. Wunmi Omoniwa, Malaria Technical Officer of World Health Organization and UN Family said even though the country stood as one of the highest under-five mortality rates globally, but commendable progress had made in reducing under-five mortality with a remarkable 60% reduction between 1990 and 2021. She mentioned that the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) conducted in 2021 underscored the importance of collective efforts in the fight against malaria which remained a primary public health concern in Sierra Leone. “It is encouraging to note that more households use ITNs, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and under-five children as well as preventing malaria transmission particularly in areas with high prevalence,” She added.
WHO, Malaria Technical Officer furthered that WHO and UN Family remained committed to an informed, efficient and impactful campaign which would cover the 16 districts. She said UN Family affirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in the fight against malaria; noting that with the continued collaboration between the government of Sierra Leone and other health development partners, there would be substantial progress in reducing malaria and protect the health and well-being of Sierra Leoneans.