Hoima health officers warn against mosquito net misuse

The health officers in Hoima have warned communities against the misuse of the mosquito nets as the distribution exercise kicks off.

According to the health officials, malaria is one of the most prominent diseases affecting communities across both Hoima city and district.

Speaking at a distribution centre in Kibingo Ward in Hoima West City Division, Kasigwa Simon, the health inspector in charge of the division warned communities against the misuse of nets for other purposes.

Kasigwa noted that quite often people use nets for other purposes including building chicken houses, an act he said is contrary to the government’s efforts to save lives.

He, however, urged communities to clear off mosquito breeding grounds including stagnant waters and unnecessary bushes within their homes.

“Ensure that you observe clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce mosquitoes in your communities. Some of which is clearing all the stagnant water grounds within your homes because they act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” he advised.

In Hoima West Division, households from nine wards, such as Western, Bujura, Kibingo, Kyesiga, Kasingo, Karongo, Kiduma, Kihomboza, and Kihukya received treated mosquito nets.

However, the division which has over 83,000 population received only 5,700 pieces of treated mosquito nets.

Dr Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima District Health Officer (DHO) urged communities to always embrace government initiatives. He said these initiatives are typically designed to promote health and safety.

Mutegeki Andrew, LC1 chairperson of Kibingo Lower cell and Samuel Musinguzi, the LC1 Kibingo Upper, appreciated the government for their effort in fighting against malaria.

The pair urged communities to embrace it for their well-being.

Health officials say the successful distribution exercise will be followed by enforcement to monitor and dig out those who misuse nets.

Kahwa Grace, the female councillor of Kibingo Ward, also appreciated the government for its efforts towards eliminating malaria.

She cautioned beneficiaries against diverting the nets from their purpose into other things.

“Use these nets to save lives rather than diverting them for other things including making poultry houses,” she warned.

Aramanzan Muhumuza, and Tiwe Kolodhin are nets’ beneficiaries who appreciated the government towards ending the spread of malaria.

Nyangoma Jennet, the Village Health Team (VHT) for Hoima city west and Geoffrey Agenonga, VHT from Hoima district, say they need facilitation to ease their movements in the communities.

“We really do also need some special considerations in terms of means of transport to help us during our times of moving within communities,” they urged.