Gulu launches massive Mosquito Net distribution as 70% of Children test positive for Malaria

10 March 2026, 7:17 pm

By Gift Okello

Local leaders in Gulu District have officially launched the distribution of 1,686 bales of government-supplied treated mosquito nets in a major effort to combat a worsening malaria crisis that has seen 70 percent of children testing positive for the disease.

The exercise was flagged off on Monday at the Gulu District headquarters by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), James Cosma Okidi, who issued a stern warning against corruption, negligence, and political interference during the distribution process.

Okidi emphasized that the mosquito nets are meant to save lives and should reach the intended beneficiaries without manipulation.

The distribution will be implemented under the Parish Development Model (PDM) framework, with parish chiefs, village leaders, and community structures coordinating door-to-door delivery to households across the district.

Gulu District Health Educator William Onyai described the intervention as urgent, revealing that the district records an estimated 17 malaria-related deaths every week among children under the age of five.

According to Onyai, the high infection rate is partly linked to low vaccination turnout and inconsistent use of mosquito nets among households.

He added that the distribution of treated nets is expected to significantly reduce malaria infections in the district, where the disease remains one of the most pressing public health challenges.

Meanwhile, District Health Officer Kenneth Canna warned residents against misusing the mosquito nets, cautioning that anyone found using them for fishing or fencing gardens will face legal consequences.

Canna stressed that the nets are lifesaving medical interventions and must be used strictly for protection against mosquito bites during sleep.

The District Community Liaison Officer, Moses Ogwang, also appealed to residents to use the mosquito nets for their intended purpose to protect families, especially children and pregnant women, from malaria.

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children in Uganda, particularly in the northern region. According to the 2025 World Malaria Report, the country records approximately 16,204 malaria-related deaths every year, highlighting the urgent need for sustained prevention measures.