Nyamagabe: Over 16,000 Mosquito Nets Deployed to Combat Malaria in Cyanika Sector

Elias Hakizimana Apr 25, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

A total of 16,050 mosquito nets are currently being distributed at Cyanika Health Center in Cyanika Sector, Nyamagabe district, as part of an intensive effort to combat Malaria.

This initiative, spearheaded by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health through Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), aims to benefit 28,200 citizens residing in malaria-prone areas in Cyanika sector.

According to Sister Marie-Léonille Mwitirehe, the Director of Cyanika Health Center, this distribution of mosquito nets is crucial for reducing the high incidence of malaria in Cyanika Sector and promoting the overall health of its residents. The distribution process is expected to span five to seven days to ensure all beneficiaries receive their nets.

Sister Mwitirehe highlighted the importance of educating the population on proper mosquito net usage, emphasizing the advantages of nightly use and the necessity of maintaining hygiene while using the nets.

**Sister Marie-Léonille Mwitirehe, the Director of Cyanika Health Center, emphasized the significant role of mosquito nets in reducing malaria prevalence in the Cyanika sector of Nyamagabe district.**

Sister Mwitirehe highlighted the rising malaria cases in Cyanika Sector, especially in its six cells, with notable increases in Nyanza, Ngoma, Gitega, and Karame.

“In March alone, the health center attended to over 1,500 malaria patients, followed by more than 3,000 in February and over 2,000 in January. Community Health Workers (CHWs) played a crucial role in treating the majority of cases, around 1,200, while 200 received care at the local health post. Additionally, Cyanika Health Center handled 120 cases during this period,” explained Sister Mwitirehe.

Epaphrodite Habanabakize, Malaria Prevention Senior Officer at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), shared that a total of 197,000 mosquito nets will be distributed across Nyamagabe district. These nets are infused with a new drug that enhances their effectiveness against mosquitoes, reducing the risk of mosquito resistance.

“RBC donates mosquito nets every two to three years in Nyamagabe district and other areas, alongside indoor residual spraying in select districts. The new nets, treated with a different drug from 2022, effectively combat mosquito resistance. Distribution spans 18 districts, including Nyagururu, Musanze, and all of the Northern Province. Meanwhile, 12 districts receive indoor residual spraying, covering 7 from the Eastern Province and 5 from the Southern Province.” Habanabakize explains.

Epaphrodite Habanabakize, Malaria Prevention Senior Officer at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), highlighted the enhanced effectiveness of the new mosquito nets in combating mosquito resistance and reducing malaria cases across various districts in Rwanda.

The distribution of these mosquito nets is made possible through partnerships with USAID PCM partners, the Rwandan Government, Global Fund, and other contributors. Each household in the district will receive one net for every two residents, with the goal of significantly decreasing malaria cases in this area.

Residents like Madame Liberate Nyiramakwavu and Christine Mujawamariya expressed gratitude for the nets, highlighting their effectiveness in preventing malaria and promoting overall health. The distribution of these nets is a crucial step towards creating a healthier community and reducing the burden of malaria in Nyamagabe district.

In recent years, research has shown a higher incidence of malaria in Nyamagabe compared to the national average. The distribution of over 140,000 nets in the district is part of ongoing efforts to combat malaria and improve public health outcomes.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com