The Government of Uganda has officially launched the 2025/26 National Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign, marking a renewed push to reduce malaria-related illness and deaths through nationwide prevention efforts.
The flag-off ceremony for the 5th Universal Coverage Campaign was held on December 23, 2025, at the National Medical Stores (NMS) headquarters in Kajjansi and was presided over by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Under the campaign, 25.8 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets will be distributed across 130 districts, excluding areas already fully covered by the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) programme. The initiative aims to achieve more than 80 percent universal coverage in line with the Uganda Malaria Strategic Plan 2025โ2030.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Aceng described malaria as one of Ugandaโs most persistent public health threats, citing recent data that shows a worrying rise in prevalence.
โThe 2025 Malaria Indicator Survey shows malaria prevalence has increased to 12.5 percent from 9.2 percent in 2018,โ Dr. Aceng said.
She added that Uganda remains among the most affected countries globally, contributing five percent of worldwide malaria cases and 2.7 percent of malaria-related deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2024.
Dr. Aceng said the mass distribution campaign is a critical intervention to reverse these trends and protect vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women.
The campaign is funded by the Government of Uganda with support from the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB and Malaria, alongside additional assistance from the United States Government.
National Medical Stores will oversee the receipt, storage and distribution of the mosquito nets nationwide. The General Manager of NMS, Mr. Moses Kamabare, said the agency is fully prepared to deliver the exercise efficiently and transparently.
โNational Medical Stores is fully prepared to execute its mandate of receiving, warehousing, and distributing these mosquito nets safely and efficiently across the country,โ Kamabare said. โWe are committed to ensuring that every net reaches the intended communities in a timely and accountable manner.โ
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended Uganda for strengthening malaria prevention through government-led systems.
โThis campaign demonstrates Ugandaโs strong commitment to malaria prevention and the effective use of national systems to deliver life-saving interventions,โ said Dr. Andrew Bakainaga, the WHO Representative in Uganda. โConsistent use of insecticide-treated nets remains one of the most effective tools for reducing malaria transmission.โ
The distribution will be implemented in five waves to improve efficiency and reach. The first wave targets 20 high-burden districts, including Amolatar, Alebtong, Apac, Budaka, Bugweri, Buyende, Dokolo, Iganga, Jinja, Jinja City, Kaliro, Kamuli, Kole, Kwania, Lira, Lira City, Mbale, Mbale City, Otuke and Oyam.
During the first phase, about 4.49 million mosquito nets will be distributed, providing protection to more than 8.5 million people.
The exercise will be carried out through local governments, with Village Health Teams and community leaders mobilised to support household distribution and promote proper and consistent use of the nets.
Government officials said the campaign underscores Ugandaโs commitment to malaria prevention and public health, as the country intensifies efforts to reduce the disease burden and safeguard lives.
