Authorities in Morogoro Region have called on residents to use mosquito nets strictly for malaria prevention, warning that misuse of the nets threatens ongoing efforts to reduce infections in one of the country’s most affected regions.
Morogoro is among the 10 regions with the highest malaria burden in Tanzania, out of 26 regions nationwide. Regional leaders say correct and consistent use of mosquito nets at household level is key to lowering infection rates and protecting communities.
The call was made by Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima during a sensitisation meeting for leaders ahead of the distribution of mosquito nets to households across the region.
He expressed concern that some residents are using the nets for unintended purposes such as rearing chickens or covering gardens.
“If these mosquito nets are used for purposes other than what they are meant for, we will have failed the entire exercise and the good intention of the government,” Mr Malima said.
“We will be strict on this matter. When you are given a mosquito net, it must be used correctly.”he added
He stressed that mosquito nets are a simple but effective tool for preventing malaria and urged residents to prioritise their health by sleeping under the nets every night.
He added that misuse of the nets has continued to undermine joint efforts by the government and its partners to eliminate malaria.
The regional commissioner directed public leaders and officials to take the lead in educating communities on proper mosquito net use, saying malaria prevention must be a standing agenda item in all public meetings. He emphasised that awareness campaigns should reach every household.
Morogoro Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Mussa Ali Mussa said more detailed assessments are needed to identify areas with high malaria transmission so that interventions can be better targeted.
He noted that Morogoro’s varied environmental conditions require area-specific strategies to effectively control the disease.
A representative from the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Mr Januari Boniventura, said misuse of mosquito nets remains a challenge in some communities.
He cited cases where nets are used for poultry keeping or gardening, practices he said expose families to preventable health risks.
Morogoro Regional Malaria Services Coordinator Dr Wahida Mtiro said data show that women account for a higher number of reported malaria cases than men, partly because men are less likely to seek testing.
In 2025 alone, about 75,000 women and 60,000 men in the region came forward for malaria testing.
To strengthen prevention efforts, Morogoro Region is expected to receive about 1.5 million mosquito nets for distribution to households in its seven councils.
Authorities say the success of the exercise will depend largely on whether residents use the nets correctly and consistently to protect themselves and their families from malaria.
