Health Minister Aceng flags off nationwide distribution of treated mosquito nets

Through the National Medical Stores (NMS) the government of Uganda has commissioned a nationalwide 5th universal coverage distribution of treated mosquito nets, a campaign the ministry of Health (MOH)say will commence with regions with a high burden of malaria aimed at reducing incidences caused by the malaria disease.  

The campaign according to MOH also aims at reducing malaria-related deaths by achieving over 80% universal coverage, in line with the Uganda Malaria Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

The flag off ceremony that was held at NMS headquarters in Kajjansi on Monday 22nd December 2025 was presided over by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, marking the commencement of a nationwide campaign aimed at

During the ceremony Dr. Ruth Aceng highlighted that malaria as a persistent public health challenge with the 2025 Malaria Indicator Survey showing malaria an increase in the prevalence to 12.5%, up from 9.2% in 2018.

“The Government of Uganda has commenced the 5th Universal Coverage Campaign for the distribution of long-lasting insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets. This 2025/26 Mass Campaign aims to contribute to the reduction of malaria-related morbidity and mortality by achieving universal coverage of over 80%, in line with the Uganda Malaria Strategic Plan 2025–2030” she said

She said that a total of 25.8 million mosquito nets will be distributed across 130 districts with the exception of districts receiving full coverage of the Indoor Residual Spraying program.

She added that “The prevalence of Malaria has unfortunately increased due to a number of factors, especially due to climatic conditions and behavior of mosquitoes. The recent Malaria Indicator Survey 2025 shows the national Malaria prevalence at 12.5% increasing from 9.2 in the last Indicator Survey done in 2018”

The General Manager of National Medical Stores, Moses Kamabare, pictured above, reaffirmed NMS’ commitment to ensuring efficient and accountable delivery of the mosquito nets..

“National Medical Stores is fully prepared to execute its mandate of receiving, warehousing, and distributing these mosquito nets safely and efficiently across the country. Leveraging our nationwide logistics infrastructure and systems, we are committed to supporting Government to ensure that every net reaches the intended communities in a timely and accountable manner,” he said.

Dr. Andrew Bakainaga, the WHO Representative, said that, “This campaign demonstrates Uganda’s strong commitment to malaria prevention and the effective use of national systems to deliver life-saving interventions. Consistent use of insecticide-treated nets remains one of the most effective tools for reducing malaria transmission, and WHO continues to support Government’s efforts toward malaria control and elimination.”

 According to the 2024 World Malaria Report, Uganda contributed 5% of the total global cases ranking number three. The report further shows that Uganda contributed 2.7 global deaths, ranking 9th globally. So the campaign is a timely intervention to further bring down malaria cases in the country.

Mosquito net samples held up

The campaign according the MOH is divided into five waves designed to enhance efficiency of operations. A total of 20 districts have been prioritized for wave one particularly targeting regions with high malaria burden and considering the supply plan including : Amolator, Alebtong, Apac, Budaka, Bugweri, Buyende, Dokolo, Iganga, Jinja, Jinja City, Kaliro, Kamuli, Kole, Kwania, Lira, Lira City, Mbale, Mbale City, Otuke and Oyam basing on the high Malaria burden and incident.

The campaign is supported with funds from the Government of Uganda, the Global Fund Against HIV, TB and Malaria, United States Government and the United States of America. The distribution exercise is being supported by the local government with the National Medical Stores as the distribution agency.

According to the World Malaria Report 2024, Uganda contributes 5% of global malaria cases, ranking third worldwide, and 2.7% of global malaria deaths, ranking ninth globally.