CHINSALI FARMERS USING MOSQUITO NETS AS MAIZE SHELLING SIEVES

(ZANIS) Chinsali District malaria committee has expressed concern at the continuous misuse of Insecticide Treated Nets- ITN, with a new twist from being used as fishing nets to maize shelling sieves.

This came to light during a quarterly meeting at the health offices.

According to the report presented by Malaria Committee Secretary RYAN MUYUMBE, Chinsali has recorded an increase in malaria cases this year compared to 2022.

Meanwhile, District Disease Surveillance Officer, KAYOMBO SAKUTAHA attributed the increase in malaria to people who are not using mosquito nets for the intended purpose.

Mr SAKUTAHA said farmers do not want to spend more on equipment but maximize their profits through the use of the Insecticide Treated Nets as alternative ways to prepare their grain.

During the discussion, some members proposed the need to enforce laws on misuse of nets and make those found wanting answerable.

In response, District Health Director Technical, KENNEDY KABUSWE, proposed to the District Agriculture Coordinator to sensitise farmers on the dangers of chemicals used to treat the nets.

Dr KABUSWE explained that the chemicals remain active on the nets for three to four years adding that the recommended times of washing an ITN is 21 times for a period of 3 years before stopping using it for the intended purpose.

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