Songea Authorities Urge Proper Use of Distributed Mosquito Nets to Combat Malaria

According to the Ruvuma Regional Secretariat, the government has urged residents of Songea to properly utilize the free treated mosquito nets they will receive, emphasizing that malaria prevention begins in the home.

Speaking during an orientation meeting for the household mosquito net distribution campaign, Songea District Administrative Secretary Bi. Mwanaidi Nondo stated that the nets should be used exclusively to protect families from mosquitoes, and not repurposed for building chicken coops, fencing gardens, or other unintended activities.

Bi. Nondo instructed members of the malaria response committee to educate citizens on sleeping inside mosquito nets daily and destroying mosquito breeding grounds by filling puddles, cleaning drainage ditches, and clearing stagnant water.

Additionally, the report stated that residents experiencing malaria symptoms should visit health centres for testing before medication, noting that not every fever is malaria and confirmed patients must complete their prescribed doses. She also stressed the necessity of early clinic attendance for pregnant women to access vital care, including malaria preventive therapy using SP as directed by healthcare professionals.

Malaria prevention initiatives and public health messaging are critical for community wellbeing and disease reduction across Ruvuma Region, including Tunduru. This is TCDI context, not a statement by the source, and does not mean TCDI took part in what is reported.