Fighting Malaria: National campaign launched for free distribution of insecticide-treated nets.

The meeting with media professionals took place at the Conference Room of the Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Center, CCOUSP.

Details pertaining to all operations preceding and accompanying the distribution exercise were presented. The briefing provided journalists with a clear overview of the objectives, scope and expected impact of the nationwide campaign.

Addressing the press, Dr Manaouda Malachie who also chairs the Campaign Steering Committee, explained that the initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to curb malaria-related illness and deaths in Cameroon. 

According to him, the campaign reflects the authorities’ firm determination to significantly reduce malaria morbidity and mortality, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

Discussions during the briefing focused on the campaign’s targets, priority intervention areas and duration. 

He equally laid special emphasis on community mobilisation and the effective use of mosquito nets as a key preventive tool against malaria. This aspect, the minister stressed, is crucial to ensuring that the distributed nets translate into real health gains.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s campaign, he said will give particular attention to vulnerable groups and high-risk settings. These include orphanages, boarding schools, prisons and patients admitted to hospitals. 

The approach, he added is aimed at ensuring comprehensive protection while reducing the risk of reinfection within communities. In total, 16,857,100 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets will be distributed free of charge to households across the country. 

The implementation of the campaign is being coordinated by the National Malaria Control Programme, PNLP, with support from technical and financial partners, community actors and the media.

The Minister of Public Health at the end of the presser called on communities to fully embrace the campaign and adopt lasting behavioural changes, noting that collective responsibility remains essential to achieving the objectives of the country National Strategic Plan to Combat Malaria.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3656 of Monday December 15, 2025