Ida Mendai, the Regional Health Director of Kavango East, is urging residents to cooperate with spray operators during the Indoor Residual Spray Campaign.

This method of malaria prevention targets mosquitoes that rest indoors and is set to begin on September 16th.

Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) involves applying a residual insecticide to the interior walls and other sprayable surfaces of a house.

This approach takes advantage of the tendency of malaria mosquitoes to rest on surfaces inside houses.

The Health Director is asking homeowners to comply when the spray operators visit. She reassures them that the chemicals used are safe and there is no need to worry.

Health workers will provide instructions on how to cover belongings, and they will collaborate with residents.

People on the ground will be available to assist in the preparations. Every household can expect a visit according to the guidelines, which will explain the structure of the campaign.

In 2023, the campaign achieved 84 percent coverage, and this year, the goal is to reach a coverage rate of between 95 and 100 percent.

Mendai emphasizes the determination to not give up, stating that they will follow up with households and engage with them.

If necessary, they will even involve the local authorities of specific villages to address any issues and ensure proper case management.

Any unsprayed households will be targeted and sprayed during the process.

The campaign will run from September 16th until November and occurs twice a year in malaria-prone regions.

A single spray session can effectively kill mosquitoes and other insects that come into contact with the treated surfaces for approximately six months.