Ouagadougou: Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO initiated the national campaign for the free universal distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) on Thursday. The campaign aims to intensify efforts against malaria by distributing over 15 million mosquito nets throughout the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Prime Minister OUEDRAOGO's speech was delivered by the Minister of Health, Lucien Kargougou. The campaign represents the government's renewed commitment under President Ibrahim Traor© to combat malaria, which remains a significant public health concern. A workforce of 33,000 volunteers and 7,000 health workers has been mobilized to ensure the campaign's success, reaching even the most remote villages.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the campaign involves more than just distributing nets; it includes identifying mosquito breeding sources and raising awareness among families. Health workers will conduct household censuses and encourage communities to eliminate stagnant water, which serves as mosquito breeding grounds.
Dr. Seydou Coulibaly, the resident representative of WHO in Burkina Faso, highlighted the severe impact of malaria, particularly on children under five and pregnant women. He referenced the WHO World Malaria Report 2024, noting 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with 95% occurring in the African region. Dr. Coulibaly welcomed the timing of the campaign during the rainy season, a peak period for malaria transmission.
Dr. Coulibaly underscored the importance of maintaining momentum from previous successful campaigns to achieve sustainable disease reduction. He affirmed the commitment of technical and financial partners to support the initiative.
Antarest BATIANA, president of the special delegation of the commune of Komsilga, expressed pride in hosting the campaign's official launch. The distribution campaign, which occurs every three years, aims to provide universal and free access to LLINs, reinforcing efforts to combat malaria in Burkina Faso.