War against Killer Disease

The United States Government, through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), is contributing 2.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to Kenya’s campaign against malaria. The USG has been providing ITNs to Kenyans since 2008.

Kenya’s Minister of Public Health and Sanitation launched the National Mosquito Net Distribution Program in Kiobatek County, Rift Valley Province, March 9th 2011. This event marked the begThe United States Government, through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), is contributing 2.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to Kenya’s campaign against malaria.  The USG has been providing ITNs to Kenyans since 2008.

Eleven million nets will be distributed through this mass campaign to benefit 22 million people at risk of malaria.

Program Benefits
The Government of Kenya’s goal, in line with the National Malaria Strategy, is to ensure that ITNs are available and regularly used. The nets have been shown to reduce the number of reported malaria cases by 50 percent and malaria deaths in children by about 20 percent.

To provide one net for every two people at risk of malaria, the GOK’s strategy includes:
· Mass distribution of ITNs free of charge to all those at risk of malaria
· Making ITNs available to all segments of the population through multiple approaches and distribution channels
· Promoting regular net use through communication and community mobilization
· Monitoring the effectiveness of the nets to know when they need to be replaced.

The Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI)
Launched in 2005, the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) is a five-year, $1.2 billion effort of the U.S. Government to reduce the burden of malaria in Africa. It is led by USAID and implemented with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PMI is working with the APHIA II – HCM project under Population Services International (PSI), Kenya to distribute ITNs to target communities and populations.