KUAJOK – The Commissioner of Twic County in South Sudan’s Warrap State has warned residents against selling mosquito nets recently distributed by humanitarian partners, saying the practice could undermine efforts to combat malaria during the rainy season.
The warning follows reports that some of the mosquito nets have already appeared for sale in local markets across the state, raising concerns among authorities.
Speaking to residents, Commissioner Mangok Kom Nyuol said the nets were distributed to help protect families from malaria, which becomes more prevalent during the rainy season when mosquito breeding increases significantly.
He stressed that the mosquito nets were intended for household use and not for commercial purposes, warning that anyone involved in their sale would face legal consequences.
“Those found selling mosquito nets will be held responsible,” Nyuol said. “The seller, the buyer, and any intermediary who facilitates the transaction will all be liable. Some of those involved in the distribution process may have taken the nets in large quantities, and this is something we are investigating.”
The commissioner said security forces have been directed to monitor markets and enforce the order by arresting individuals found trading the donated nets.
He urged residents to prioritise the health of their families, noting that selling the nets could expose vulnerable household members to malaria infection.
Nyuol specifically appealed to mothers and families facing economic hardship not to exchange the mosquito nets for food or money, emphasising that children and elderly people are at the greatest risk of contracting malaria.
“Those left without protection will be children and older people, and we must work hard to prevent that from happening,” he said.
The mass distribution campaign was conducted last week as part of a wider malaria prevention initiative. According to the commissioner, beneficiaries should preserve the nets because another large-scale distribution exercise is not expected for the next three years.
Meanwhile, residents of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are awaiting the start of mosquito net distribution in their areas. The exercise is expected to commence once the first phase of distribution in Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal states is completed.
