Dokolo, Uganda | Health officials in Dokolo district have launched a new phase of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) aimed at curbing malaria, one of the leading health challenges in the region.
The district recently received 17,000 bottles of Actellic insecticide, which will be used during the spraying exercise, which began on Monday, 22 September, and will stop on 15 October 2025.
According to Tom Opio, the district malaria focal point person, the campaign will operate for 20 working days, down from the previous 25 days, and will cover six subcounties: Dokolo, Amwoma, Adeknino, Kangai, Adok and Okwongodul.
Opio explained that the exercise is expected to protect households from malaria-carrying mosquitoes and reduce the overall disease burden in the district.
The Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO), Eugine Odongo, appealed to residents to welcome the initiative.
He disclosed that in 2024, the district achieved only 86% coverage, falling short of the target.
Dokolo and Kangai subcounties recorded the highest resistance to the programme, which limited its impact.
Meanwhile, District Health Educator (DHE) Ouni Dioxs emphasised that IRS must be fully embraced by communities if malaria cases are to be reduced significantly.
He encouraged residents to seek continuous medical advice from health facilities and not rely solely on household spraying.
Ouni also announced that the IRS exercise will be integrated with other health interventions, including HIV testing, tuberculosis (TB) screening, and additional community health services.
Health officials say they are optimistic that this year’s campaign, if well received, will surpass previous performance and contribute to lowering malaria prevalence across Dokolo district.
