Togo has commenced a nationwide distribution of free insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to strengthen malaria prevention and reduce the disease burden across the country.

The campaign, which began on Tuesday, aims to curb malaria, one of Togo’s leading public health challenges and a major cause of illness and death.

Under the initiative, a total of 5,658,350 insecticide-treated mosquito nets will be distributed to households nationwide.

Ahead of the exercise, health workers conducted a door-to-door census between May and early June to identify beneficiaries and issue collection coupons.

The campaign is expected to improve access to preventive measures, particularly among vulnerable populations in communities with high malaria transmission rates.

Health authorities said the regular distribution of mosquito nets remains a key strategy for reducing malaria infections in Togo’s tropical climate, which provides favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.

Despite progress recorded in recent years, malaria continues to impose a significant health and economic burden on the country.

Official figures show that Togo recorded more than 2.1 million malaria cases and 993 deaths in 2024.

Children under the age of five accounted for about 70 per cent of the deaths, highlighting the continued vulnerability of young children to the disease.

The government said the campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen malaria control and improve public health outcomes nationwide. 

(Xinhua/NAN)