Health Ministry and Partners launch massive drive to eradicate malaria

2026-03-19 - 13:03

The Malaria Consortium and the Ministry of Health have announced a nationwide campaign to distribute 9.5 million mosquito nets to slash malaria deaths across South Sudan. The announcement was made during Country Director Dr. Dennis Mubiru announced the initiative, stating that countrywide distribution remains the primary strategy to eradicate the disease and slash death rates. confirmed that the distribution targets one net for every two people per household. The initiative seeks to curb transmission in a country where malaria accounts for more than 64 percent of all reported diseases. South Sudan remains one of the countries most heavily affected by the disease, contributing approximately 1.1 percent of global malaria cases and deaths. According to recent global data, malaria caused more than 610,000 deaths worldwide out of 280 million reported cases. Dr. Mubiru described South Sudan as “highly endemic,” noting that transmission occurs throughout the entire year. Health officials are urging the public to prioritize preventive measures, such as clearing bushes, eliminating stagnant water, and sleeping under treated nets. Dr. Mubiru emphasized that clinical outcomes depend heavily on how quickly patients seek help. “Communities must seek treatment early and complete their medication. Prevention is key in reducing malaria deaths,” Dr. Mubiru said. Despite the ongoing net distribution, several factors continue to hinder progress. Dr. Mubiru highlighted significant funding gaps, persistent insecurity, and mass displacement as major obstacles. Additionally, an influx of refugees has placed further pressure on an already strained national health system. The Country Director is calling on communities, international partners, and stakeholders to strengthen collective action to reduce mortality rates and improve public health outcomes across the country.