Thousands of families in Angola continue to face the threat of malaria, a disease that disproportionately affects children and pregnant women. To reduce this burden and strengthen community protection, a new mosquito net distribution campaign has been launched across Bié province. The initiative is led by the National Malaria Control Programme, with technical support from UNDP and implementation by World Vision Angola, and is part of the Global Fund’s GC7 Grant. The campaign, which has already started in Bié, will later expand to Cuanza Sul and Benguela provinces, targeting both urban and rural communities.
In Bié alone, the campaign aims to reach up to 80% of households, benefiting nearly 1.8 million people. More than 1.2 million mosquito nets are being distributed to help families strengthen malaria prevention at home and protect those most at risk. Across all three provinces, over 4.3 million nets will be provided. Preparatory work included coordination with municipal administrations, pre-positioning of mosquito nets, organization of storage and logistics, and mobilization of local structures, ensuring a smooth launch in Cunhinga and Chinguar. Local authorities and volunteers quickly began community sensitization and household registration.
The campaign officially started in Cuito and quickly spread to surrounding municipalities. In Chinguar’s Dondo neighborhood, strong community participation marked the rollout, with traditional leaders, activists, and residents joining distribution activities. The local Soba emphasized the urgency: “Our children cannot wait any longer and spend another night without mosquito nets.” Families received nets accompanied by practical demonstrations on their proper use and care, reinforcing community health and prevention practices.
For many residents, the initiative was a deeply personal relief. João Cussumua, an elder who lost two children to malaria in recent years, shared that his five-year-old son would now sleep under a net for the first time, and he himself would do so for the first time in ten years. The dedication of campaign teams, walking through every street and neighborhood, matched the eagerness and hope of the population.
Following the initial days in Cunhinga and Chinguar, the campaign expanded to Cuito, Andulo, Catabola, Cuemba, Chitembo, Nharea, Camacupa, and Belo Horizonte, reaching both urban and rural households. Ten newly created municipalities are also being covered through their parent communes, ensuring that no family is left out.
The distribution effort represents a coordinated collaboration between government institutions, partners, health workers, and communities. By turning prevention into action, the campaign is helping families like João’s take a vital step toward a healthier future. With each mosquito net distributed and every awareness message shared, Bié province is becoming better protected, more informed, and more determined in the fight against malaria.
