By Chol D. Johnson
Ministry of Health (MoH) have yesterday received 9.5 million mosquitos’ nets donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking during the handover, Dr. Kenney Ganiko, undersecretary at the Ministry of Health stated that the ministry of Health officially received mosquito nets from UNICEF.
“On behalf of the Minister of Health, Sarah Kleto, I officially want to announce that the government and the Minister of Health has officially received the mosquito net from UNICEF” he stated.
Ganiko appreciated the Global Fund for the support or fund the of buying a $ 9.5 million long-lasting insecticidal net to the ministry of Health.
“We need to thank the Global Fund for supporting or funding the project of buying a $9.5 million long-lasting insecticidal net, which is not the first time for the Minister of Health and UNICEF and Global Fund to provide this mosquito net” he appreciated.
He emphasized that it was one of the significant milestones for the Minister of Health and UNICEF and the people of South Sudan.
Ganiko highlighted that malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the Republic of South Sudan.
“We can say the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the Republic of South Sudan, which affects mostly women and children who are under five” he acknowledged.
He mentioned that the mosquito nets would be send to the states, and three administrative areas until the grassroots areas.
Ganiko underscored that it is a collective responsibility of all the citizens to fight malaria and stating not necessarily the government or the UNICEF.
He explained that the last distribution was two years ago which covered some areas, noting that there were some areas that were not covered by then.
Ganiko urged the citizens to be responsible for proper use of mosquito nets to prevent malaria and shouldn’t use for farming, fishing.
“The second responsibility, this mosquito net, it is not for farming, fishing, to cover the food with the mosquito net or curtain in your houses, it is not for you to cut it into pieces; Use it to prevent malaria” he urged.
According to the MoH, these nets were donated by the Against Malaria Foundation and procured, shipped through UNICEF Supply Division and the South Sudan Country Office with financial support from the Global Fund, under the theme “South Sudan Next Nationwide Malaria Prevention Campaign”.
Ismail Kamil, UNICEF, deputy representative- Operations reiterated that the net mass distribution campaign aimed at achieving universal coverage across the country.
“As of today, we received 763,000 nets transported in 20 containers, have already received in Juba” Kamil reiterated.
Kamil stressed that the remaining consignments are currently in transit and will continue to arrive in phases to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted campaign preparation.
He mentioned that the mosquito nets would be pre-positioned at five strategic UNICEF storage warehouses and hubs in Bor, Malakal, Rumbek, Yambio, as well as Wau and Gombo government regional warehouses.
Kamil underlined that the implementing partner would collect the net to distribute them to communities nationwide.
He stated that the overarching objective of this campaign was to ensure that every household in South Sudan has access to the net, in line with the national standard of one net for every 1.5 people.
Kamil expressed that the campaign aimed to reduce malaria transmission, illness, and deaths, particularly among children under five and pregnant women who remain most at risk.
“Distribution will be conducted through a detailed door-to-door mass campaign, this innovative approach will allow us for accurate household registration, real-time tracking of net, improved accountability, and strong data for evidence-based decision-making through the campaign” he expressed.
He explained that the campaign was planned to be implemented ahead of the rainy season, when malaria transmission is at peak.
Kamil further stated that the states and county health authorities, working closely with six implementing partners, would play a critical role in ensuring effective last-mile delivery, including to hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
He said UNICEF commended the leadership of the Minister of Health and appreciated the dedication of all partners involved.
“We reaffirm our strong commitment to continue with collaboration with the government of South Sudan to ensure the successful rollout of this campaign and to advance national malaria prevention and control effort” Kamil reaffirmed.
“Together, we can protect families, save lives, and move closer to the malaria-free future for South Sudan” he expressed.