RWAMAGANA- Several families in Rwamagana District, over the weekend, received free mosquito nets donated by the Ministry of Health.

Hundreds of people of all ages and sex queued from dawn, to sunset, to get the treated nets at Rwamagana Health Centre.

Marie Chantal Gahongayire, in charge of Rwamagana health centre, pointed out that the nets are considered the best way to prevent malaria infection.

She revealed that at least 30% of the patients they receive are malaria cases, noting that there is need for the population to observe home based management of the disease and nets.

"We are so concerned with children under 5 and pregnant mothers, which is why, we are going for quick malaria tests in rural areas,” she said.

"Mosquito nets in rural areas are vital in our efforts to combat malaria. Community health workers carried out census of beds that needed treated nets, in each household, and they are now benefiting.”

Juliet Mukagasana, a local leader, said that giving out the nets should be backed by sensitization campaigns on their proper use.

"It is sad that some of these people sell them immediately, while others use them for other things other than covering their beds. So, we have a huge task of sensitising the people,” she added.

However, Petero Habiyamuremye, 57, another resident said that people have understood the importance of sleeping under mosquito nets.

He thanked the ministry for the donation, which he said was out of reach for many rural residents.

"Getting a net for every bed is not easy, for rural income. So, the Ministry’s intervention is timely,” he said.

The treated mosquito nets have a guarantee of four years, and can be washed at least four times, without affecting their effectiveness.

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