Screen mosquito nets hailed for Malaria reduction 

People in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chigalu in Mdeka, Blantyre have hailed the initiative by Lighthouse Foundation (LHF) which they say has helped to curb Malaria cases in the area.

Through the Malaria Eradication Project being implemented by LHF, a Korea Non-governmental organisation, 5 272 households have so far been installed with screen mosquito nets which according to the NGO is one of the most effective ways of making sure that mosquitoes are kept away from entering houses through windows and doors.

The project’s coordinator Suzgo Makwati said through the project, which runs until 2018, they are targeting to install the mosquito nets in 6 000 houses this year alone.

“As we are talking, 5 272 households have been installed with the screen mosquito nest, and we are still working until we hit 6 000 houses in 65 villages within Chigalu area,” he said.

Beatrice Chilunda of Muyendayekha village has five children. She would not remember the number of times she has been in and out of hospital with her children due to malaria.

In February this year, LHF installed her house with screen mosquito net and until today, she says her house has not registered any case of malaria.

“At first I had my doubts on the initiative. But now I can testify, this thing [the screen net] works well,” said Chilunda.

Executive secretary for LHF Cho I appealed to people of the area to adhere to instructions given by her organisation which include  filling all gaps and holes their houses might have.

“Although LHF will block the windows and main entrances, it is not enough but to completely fill the holes and cracks. Our nets will not just block mosquitoes but also insects,” she said.

T/A Chigalu who is also a beneficially thanked LHF for introducing screen mosquito nets under the project which is being supported by Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).