A women group based in Kisii known as ‘Maendeleo Sasa’ has embarked on a mission to fight malaria in the area, by distributing mosquito nets and carrying out sensitization campaigns in Bonchari sub-county.
The campaign, dubbed ‘Mbu Nje Sisi Ndani’ was initiated in a bid to fight against the deadly disease, which they claimed to be a threat to women and children in the area.
According to the group’s chairlady Agnes Getange, the group has so far distributed 350 mosquito nets to the residents, and they believe they will make it to 1,000 as that is their aim for this month.
She added that they target households with children below five years and expectant mothers, as they were prone to the killer disease.
Getange said the 150 member group was founded early this year alarmed by the high infant mortality rate as a result of malaria.
“It came to our realization that most of the children under the age of five years have lost their lives due to malaria, which can be prevented if right measures are taken,” she said.
She added that the group conducts a fundraiser on a monthly basis, where each member is required to contribute Sh300.
The money is then channeled towards the purchase of mosquito nets and malaria drugs.
In addition, she said they usually sensitize local residents by educating them on other preventive measures to curb the disease in the area.
“Malaria has no season, so we are necessitated to tell the local community to always be on the watch and exercise the preventive measures so as not to suffer the consequences,” she added.