Malaria Prevention Saves Lives

In 2025 The Butterfly Tree donated 3,800 mosquito nets to schools in the Mulobezi District, in the Western Province of Zambia. This is an area of high malaria prevelance. Last year there were 43,937 cases, a staggering 947.7 per 1,000 population.

A report from the medical officer in charge of the programme states that most schools where we distributed nets are seeing an impact. Absenteeism due to malaria has reduced compared to year first quarter in 2025.

Our aim is to provide an additional 3,000 mosquito nets to the district for the schools which did not receive last year. The rainy season, which started in October has just finished. Due to the exceptionally high rainfall other areas are recording serious cases of malaria. Sadly, a boy, from Nguba died before reaching a medical facility. The only form of transport from his home the clinic was an ox and cart. 

The Butterfly Tree will doante 1,000 mosquito nets to Nguba secondary school and nearby Singwamba primary when schools open tomorrow after the Easter break. No other form of prevention is offered to school children as priority is given to chldren under the age of two, and pregnant women. Our 'Mosquito Nets for Schools' programme has proved to be highly effective in reducing the number of new malaria cases. Having protection reduces health complications and absenteesim from school. 

We urgently need more mosquito nets during this peak period. A mosquito net costs just £6 or $8 and can save a child's life.