Residents Call for New Mosquito Nets to Strengthen the Fight Against Malaria

Residents in various parts of Rwanda say they are facing challenges due to old and worn-out mosquito nets that can no longer effectively protect them from malaria. They report that they have not received new nets for a long time, as was previously the case, while purchasing them privately has become increasingly difficult because of their high cost.

Some residents from the Southern Province who spoke to the Top Africa news expressed concern that the mosquito nets they currently use have lost their effectiveness. Many are torn or worn out and no longer provide adequate protection against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. They warn that this situation exposes families to serious health risks, especially during the rainy season, when mosquito populations tend to increase.

Mukamana Claudine, a resident of Nyaruguru District, says she has been using the same mosquito net for many years. “I received this mosquito net a very long time ago. It is now old and torn, but I cannot afford to buy a new one because they are expensive. We are asking the authorities to remember us and provide new mosquito nets,” she said.

In Huye District, Habimana Jean Bosco also described the issue as a widespread concern among residents. “Many of us are still using old mosquito nets. We see that malaria cases continue to occur, and we would like the responsible institutions to support us again by providing quality mosquito nets,” he explained.

Residents agree that although they understand the importance of mosquito nets in preventing malaria, buying them from the market is beyond the means of many families due to poverty and the high cost of quality nets. They are calling for strengthened free distribution programs, particularly targeting vulnerable and low-income households.

On the side of health authorities, Epaphrodite Habanabakize, an officer at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in charge of prevention within the malaria control unit, explained that mosquito net distribution is carried out on a continuous basis, depending on government planning and assessments.

“Mosquito nets are distributed at different intervals, generally every two to three years, based on assessments of malaria prevalence in specific areas and consideration of other prevention measures in place,” Habanabakize said.

He further noted that in some areas, mosquito nets may not be distributed immediately because alternative malaria prevention strategies are prioritized. These include indoor residual spraying, community sensitization on eliminating stagnant water, and the use of other protective measures.

Habanabakize also advised residents to continue using their existing mosquito nets, even if they appear old, until they receive replacements. “Even if a mosquito net is old, using it is better than not using one at all. At the same time, we encourage the public to consistently apply all available malaria prevention measures,” he emphasized.

RBC stresses that the fight against malaria requires joint efforts from both institutions and the general public. It calls on everyone to take personal responsibility in preventing the disease, which remains a public health concern and poses serious risks, particularly to children and pregnant women.