South Sudan’s health ministry said it is investigating the alleged diversion and sale of mosquito nets intended for free distribution, after several individuals linked to implementing partners were detained in Western Equatoria state.
Health Minister Luke Thomson Thoan said the suspects were apprehended over allegations that long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, supplied under a national malaria prevention programme, were being sold in local markets instead of being distributed to vulnerable communities.
Speaking during commemorations of the Day of the African Child in Juba on Wednesday, Minister Thoan said the incident raised concerns about accountability in the management of public health commodities.
“There was an incident in Western Equatoria state where some people from the implementation partners sold some of the mosquito nets. And I have the record,” he said.
He said those implicated were under investigation to establish why supplies meant for free distribution had allegedly been diverted.
“They’re under investigations and they should tell us why mosquito nets meant for people especially children are taken to the market instead of distributing them freely to the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Thoan did not disclose the identities of the suspects, the implementing organisation involved, or the number of nets allegedly diverted. He confirmed that investigations were ongoing.
“We are currently investigating them to establish the reasons behind the sale of these mosquito nets, which are supposed to be given to the public free of charge,” he said.
The minister said South Sudan has distributed about 9.5 million insecticide treated mosquito nets nationwide as part of efforts to reduce malaria, one of the country’s leading causes of illness and death.
In March, then Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko said UNICEF had handed over the mosquito nets to the Ministry of Health, which would then distribute them to state authorities to ensure they reach intended beneficiaries.
The allegations of diversion and theft of mosquito nets add to longstanding concerns over oversight and accountability in the delivery of donor supported health programmes in South Sudan, where weak controls have at times undermined distribution chains.
Thoan called for stronger enforcement mechanisms within government institutions, urging senior officials to act decisively against misconduct.
“If you’re a director and realise that one of your inspectors has taken what doesn’t belong to them, they should feel the power of your pen,” he said, adding that improved accountability would strengthen public service delivery.
and then