By MN Reporter

Migori County Government has started giving out free mosquito nets that President Uhuru Kenyatta went to launch the distribution few weeks ago.

Chaos broke out during the launch in Migori town and a group of youths threw shoes at governor Okoth Obado forcing President Uhuru Kenyatta to cut short his speech.

Through the county’s Health Department, the county is targeting to distribute 638,826 nets to 223,977 households, which translates to 100 per cent coverage of residents in the county.

The nets are being distributed in each of the eight sub counties in primary schools, shopping centres and health facilities in a bid to reach more people.

Obado, said that the county has faced malaria prevalence and thanked President Uhuru for the gesture.

“This is a true demonstration of powerful commitment and partnership between the National Government and partners in supporting the County to the fight Malaria; a war that we promise to win,” said Obado.

The County Executive Member (CEC) in Charge of Health, Elijah Odhiambo, said plans are underway to ensure every resident of the county received at least a mosquito net.

Migori County is one of the counties in Kenya that has reported high rate of malaria prevalence. According to the outgoing CEC Member in charge of Health, Iscar Oluoch, last year alone, the county reported a total of 226,765 cases translating to 44.8 per cent of outpatient morbidity and 44 per cent Malaria prevalence.

“Maternal mortality in the county is 673/100,000 compared to 417/100,000 nationally while infant mortality stands at 92/1000, which is double the national rate. Therefore, this event is important to us since it is a control initiative towards reducing the high malaria prevalence.

Migori County is targeting to distribute 638, 826 nets to 223, 977 households,” she said.

Locals who have received the nets expressed hope in the fight against Malaria, saying this will ensure reduction of death cases as a result of the disease in the region.

Governor said the county government will strive to increase budgetary allocation towards malaria control.

“My plea, therefore, goes to the people of Migori to make use of mosquito nets provided to increase the current utilization rate that stands at 32 per cent-which is too low,” Obado said.