Malaria and Kala-Azar control campaign intensified in Kailali through pesticide spraying

Dhangadhi: The pesticide spraying campaign has been intensified in Kailali to control malaria and Kala-Azar. The Health Office, Kailali, has been conducting the campaign across the district in coordination with local levels. Since infections have been observed especially in settlements of the Terai region, pesticides have been sprayed in targeted areas and surrounding locations.

According to the Health Office, pesticides have been sprayed in 4,690 houses across the district so far, directly benefiting 9,106 people. As of mid-Falgun of the current fiscal year, 133 cases of malaria have been confirmed in the district. In the previous fiscal year, 231 and 135 people were infected.

In the case of Kala-Azar, 11 patients were reported in 2024, 7 in 2025, and 1 patient so far in 2026. According to Min Bahadur Dhami, Information Officer at the Health Office, Kailali, the campaign has been conducted in 11 local levels, excluding the two hilly local levels. “Priority has been given to spraying pesticides in houses and surrounding areas where patients have been found,” he said.

According to the Health Office, pesticide spraying is carried out mainly in the months of Shrawan, Bhadau, Chait, Baisakh, and Jestha. Along with the campaign, programs are also being conducted to promote cleanliness, prevent water stagnation, encourage the use of nets on windows and doors, adopt mosquito prevention measures, and raise public awareness in the community.

The government has set a target of eliminating malaria by 2028 and Kala-Azar by 2030. Although the ongoing pesticide spraying campaign in Kailali is showing positive effects in controlling infections, health officials have stated that continuous monitoring, effective sanitation, and active community participation are necessary for complete control.