Today marks the beginning of Togo’s fourth national campaign to distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Starting on October 22, 2020, health workers will embark on a nearly two-week effort, visiting various communities across the country to provide households with mosquito nets aimed at combating malaria.
In a departure from previous campaigns, this year’s distribution will take place in a single phase, combining both registration and distribution into one streamlined process. In past years, the process involved a separate census phase before the nets were distributed. This new approach is designed to be more efficient and less time-consuming for both the health workers and the households involved.
Campaign Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of the campaign is to reduce the prevalence of malaria in Togo, which remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the country. By distributing long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, the Ministry of Health hopes to decrease malaria-related morbidity and mortality rates significantly.
Between October 22 and November 2, 2020, an estimated 6.4 million mosquito nets will be distributed across the nation. These nets provide households with a critical tool for preventing malaria transmission, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare can be limited.
Modernized Registration Process
This year’s campaign also introduces a more modernized approach to registering households. In a move towards eco-friendliness and efficiency, health workers will use tablets instead of the traditional large registers that were used in previous campaigns. This digital approach is expected to expedite the registration process and reduce the environmental impact of the operation.
Covid-19 Precautions and Community Engagement
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, health workers will be implementing safety measures as they engage with communities. The Ministry of Health has called on the public to welcome the workers warmly while adhering to health protocols to ensure both the safety of the workers and the residents.
The success of this mosquito net distribution campaign will depend on the active participation and cooperation of the communities involved. With the distribution of these nets, Togo takes another significant step towards the fight against malaria, ensuring that more families are protected from this deadly disease.