The 2020 Universal Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets Campaign Will Contribute to the Reduction of Current Malaria Upsurges

Universal coverage with Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) is a key pillar of Uganda’s Malaria Reduction Strategic Plan (UMRSP). In this plan, the country commits to reducing annual malaria deaths from 3 deaths per 100,000 population of year 2013 to near zero malaria deaths (implying less than 1 death per 100,000 population); Malaria morbidity from 150 cases per 1,000 population of 2013 to 30 cases per 1,000 population; and malaria parasite prevalence from 45% of 2010 to less than 7% by 2020.

Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets reduce morbidity and mortality caused by malaria across a range of epidemiological settings and are the mostly used vector control tool in Africa. To achieve and maintain universal coverage with LLINs, the World Health Organization recommends the distribution of LLIN for every two individuals at risk of malaria through mass campaigns conducted every three years.

Currently, Uganda is experiencing malaria upsurges in over 50% of the districts. Some of the factors attributable to this upsurge include climatic change and reduced LLIN coverage. Indeed, according to the results from the malaria outbreak investigations carried out in selected districts like Oyam, Kole, and Zombo between the months of June and July 2019 (by the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program), there was reduced LLIN coverage. Most LLINs were worn out.

In 2009 and 2014, Uganda held successful Universal LLIN campaigns which saw 22 million nets distributed across the country contributing to reduction in malaria parasite prevalence in Uganda from 42 to 19 percent. In 2017, a similar campaign was carried out and it is estimated that the current malaria parasite prevalence is 9.1%.

There is no doubt therefore that the upcoming 2020 LLIN campaign will contribute to the reduction of current malaria upsurges. It is there- fore important to educate the public about the importance of this up- coming LLIN campaign. We encourage the public to embrace the up- coming 2020 LLIN campaign and proper usage of LLINs that will be distributed to protect themselves against malaria.