Local authorities in Gulu district have blamed the current upsurge in cases of malaria to the misuse of insecticide treated mosquito nets distributed by the government through the Ministry of Health under the Malaria Control Program.
After families in rural Gulu received treated mosquito nets last year, there have been reports of illegal trade and abuse of the donation and people have been found using the nets for different purposes.
Some of the nets have been turned into building materials, semi permanent bathrooms, making ropes for tying goats, catching fish despite threats by local politicians to prosecute anyone involved.
Ms Rose Amono Abili, the Secretary Education and Health raised a concern that some of the mosquito nets are being used by charcoal dealers to cover their sacks.
Abili noted that, “Because the mosquito nets are not serving the intended purpose, majority of the families are now exposed to mosquito bites.”
Mr John Opwonya Odong, the focal point person, TB, HIV/Aids and Malaria says dozens of the nets have ended up being used as fish nets and materials for tethering domestic animals.
The latest statistics from the district health department biostatiscian indicates that 9,700 patients have been diagnosed with malaria since the outbreak in May this year.
From June 20th -25th 2015, 1,110 cases of malaria were managed of which 411 were children under 5 (U5).
Mr Douglas Peter Okello, the District Council Speaker recently warned that anyone who will be found abusing the donation will be prosecuted and asked police to toughen up the fight against the misuse and get hold of those involved
Recently, Ms Sarah Opendi, the Health Minister also noted that although similar distributions have been done in the past, some people were using the mosquito nets for wrong purposes such as fishing and making wedding gowns.
In its continued effort to wrestle down the scourge of malaria that is continuously claiming innumerable lives of Ugandans, the Government has set out a scheme that will see hundreds of thousands of households across the country receive free mosquito nets.
According to the Ministry of Health, 304 people still die per day due to malaria related ailments.
Data from the Ministry shows that Malaria is responsible for 40% outpatient visits and makes 5% of all hospital admissions and 14% of deaths.
