Project Mosquito Nets

Post–Distribution Report

 For Nets Distribution in Rural Zambia in September 2010

Introduction

In September 2010, as a result of a grant received from the Against Malaria Foundation (www.againstmalaria.org) , the Power of Love Foundation provided 1300 long lasting insecticide treated nets to people vulnerable to Malaria in Kapri-Mposhi (a rural area) in Zambia. Kapiri Mposhi is a small town in Zambia, located about 185 kms north of the capital city of Lusaka. Mosquito nets were distributed to people living in the Ndeke compound in Kapiri-Mposhi, and this compound has a population of 9360 people and 2722 households. The reason Ndeke compound was chosen was because its population is at high risk and vulnerable to Malaria, and too poor to afford bed nets. In addition, the government has been unable to provide free nets to the people here. Lastly, a high prevalence of HIV makes the population at a higher risk for malaria as their immune system is compromised. At the distribution in September 2010, 1300 people in the Ndeke compound in Kapiri-Mposhi were provided with nets and the number of direct beneficiaries was 2600 (as 1 net has 2 sleeping spaces). Distribution of nets took place between on September 10, 11 and 12, 2010 to comfortably accommodate all 1300 direct beneficiaries. At the event, beneficiaries were provided with a demonstration on the proper treatment, use and set up and maintenance of the mosquito nets and educated on malaria prevention.

Post Distribution Survey

A post-distribution survey was conducted in November/December 2010 to assess the impact of the nets distribution in September 2010. A copy of the questionnaire used is given in Annex 1. Staff from a local NGO in Kapiri-Mposhi interviewed 150 beneficiaries and the findings are as follows: 

• Most people who received the mosquito nets are using the nets effectively. They have continued to use, and maintain the mosquito nets as they were instructed on the distribution day event. Those who were not able to maintain the nets went back to the local Clinic for assistance.
• In most cases, it was discovered that more than 2 people were sleeping under one net. In some cases it was observed that 4 to 5 people are sleeping under the net.
• Parents and guardians of children ensured that children were sleeping under the nets.
• For the 150 beneficiaries that were interviewed, it was observed that a total of 484 people sleep inside the mosquito nets. This shows that on average more than 3 people are sleeping inside one net.
• Regarding Malaria cases at the government clinic: It was observed that the number of cases of malaria decreased from 543 cases in the months of July/August to 232 cases in the month of November which is the beginning of the peak season of malaria in Zambia. 
• Most of the people interviewed said that they are looking forward to another distribution so that the number of people sleeping in one net could be reduced.
• It was observed by the clinic staff that it was important to continue to educate people on the importance of prevention of malaria by keeping their houses clean and using clean water to drink. It is a good idea to hold malaria prevention and education camps regularly to reduce the number of malaria cases in the community.

Based on the above observations we can conclude that the nets are being used effectively by the beneficiaries and that it is possible to reduce the incidence of malaria in Kapiri-Mposhi, Zambia.

Learnings from this study

Some of the learnings of this study were:

• To better understand the impact of the distribution of mosquito nets, we would have liked to interview at least 25% of the beneficiaries. However, we did not have enough funds and staff to interview 325 people. At this time we are working with the government clinic, to help us collect information after the next distribution of nets
• In this study we gathered information from beneficiaries only. After the next distribution, we would like to include community members (who were not direct beneficiaries) to find out their impressions about our program.

Conclusion

We are thankful to Against Malaria Foundation for partnering with us so that we could make this distribution event happen. The distribution of 1300 nets to 2600 people will go a long way in reducing the incidence of Malaria in Kapiri-Mposhi, Zambia. We hope to make this an annual event so that we can continue to educate people on malaria prevention and distribute nets.  This should lead to the desired impact of eradicating malaria from this area. 

Annex 1 -Post- Distribution Survey Questionnaire

A. Questions for the beneficiaries (after being asked to show the net received):

1. Do you feel comfortable sleeping inside the mosquito net? 
2. From the time you were given the mosquito net, have you suffered from malaria?
3. Has your child suffered from Malaria from the time you received the nets?
4. At what time in the evening do you spread the Mosquito nets?
5. Who ensures that the child sleeps inside the mosquito net? 
6. Personal observations/Comments

B. Questions for the Clinic

1. Since last September what has been the number Malaria Cases reported from Ndeke Compound in Kapiri-Mposhi?.
2. What is the age group of people coming to you because they are infected by malaria?
3. What are your recommendations?
4. Personal observations/Comments

Links:

• Power of Love's, Project Mosquito Nets
• Summary of Project Mosquito Nets
• Pictures of the Nets Distribution in January 2011

Distribution of 1000 Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets in Lusaka, Zambia in January 2011

Introduction

On January 6, 2011, 1000 long lasting insecticide treated nets were provided to people vulnerable to Malaria in Lusaka, Zambia. This distribution was made possible by funds provided by donors through Global Giving. The Power of Love Foundation team would like to thank donors who made this event possible. As a result of this distribution we expect to see a reduced incidence of Malaria in the Matero compound in Lusaka, Zambia and higher school enrollments due to the improved health of the children.

Need for Mosquito Nets

The Matero compound is one of the largest compounds in Lusaka, with a population of over 75,000 people. Residents of this compound are vulnerable to Malaria due to the existence of shallow wells, and backyard gardens which are perfect breeding grounds for the malaria larvae. In addition, a high rate of HIV prevalence (leads to a suppressed immune system) makes the people highly vulnerable to Malaria. The Government Clinic in this compound gets hundreds of Malaria cases as the residents do not have knowledge about Malaria prevention and cannot afford nets. As a result, Malaria is one of the biggest killers of children in Zambia.

Distribution of Nets in Lusaka

On January 6, 2011, a third distribution of Malaria bed nets was organized by the Power of Love Foundation in Zambia. This time 1000 long lasting insecticide treated nets were distributed as follows:

1. 155 nets were given to Churches in the area,
2. 315 nets were provided to clinics and our partner organizations in Matero compound,
3. 250 nets were provided to women and children enrolled in Power of Love’s Community Care program and women in Power of Love’s Micro-loans programs, and
4. 280 nets were provided to HIV positive people from the community. Priority was given to pregnant women, nursing moms, and HIV positive children.

The day’s activities began with singing followed by an opening prayer, introduction of the guests by Esther Shumba, and a welcome speech by one of the Board members. The Board member emphasized the importance of the distribution of nets in the community of Matero. In addition, she explained the need for proper use (for example the need to hang them safely every morning after use) and maintenance of nets. She explained that the nets should be re-treated with chemicals after 12 months and that treatment kits could be purchased from the local pharmacy. She advised beneficiaries about proper care of backyard gardens and shallow wells, and the need to seal breeding areas of mosquito larvae in order to see a reduction in the incidence of Malaria in the future.

Attendees and Guests – More than 800 people attended the distribution day event. Representatives of the Government Clinics and Churches received nets and distributed them from their respective locations. The Zambia Police Service for the community of Matero was invited and received nets for their support group. Other invitees included representatives from local clinics, St. John Ambulance, Ward Development committee, and Board members of the Matero Care Center.

The day’s activities closed with a vote of thanks by the head Nurse, Sister Jacqueline Konkosholo, at the local Clinic. She thanked Power of Love Foundation for the continued support provided to the recipients of the nets and Matero community as a whole.  

Profile of the Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries of the mosquito nets were children who are HIV positive (with most born HIV positive) and being cared for by their grandmothers, single parents or a relative in the extended family and expecting moms. Children under the age of five years and those who are HIV positive are highly vulnerable to Malaria.  

Criteria for the Beneficiaries

Priority was given to children (all are HIV positive) enrolled in Power of Love’s Community Care program, women in Power of Love’s micro loans programs, HIV positive children in the community, children below 5 years of age who are HIV positive, pregnant women, nursing moms, and people who have TB and/or HIV/AIDS as co-infection rates between HIV and TB and Malaria are very high. A list of 1000 beneficiaries was prepared and they were invited to the event so that t they could receive the nets.

Impact of the Distribution of Nets

The distribution of nets helps 2000 people directly as two people can sleep under a net and several hundred more people in the community indirectly as they learn about Malaria prevention from the recipients. We expect that the use of these nets will reduce the incidence of malaria in the community, and fewer deaths will be recorded.

Post Distribution Survey

We will carry out a post-distribution survey in March 2011, to assess the impact of this distribution. Recipients of nets will be asked to answer questions regarding proper usage and maintenance of nets, and also the impact on their health. The purpose of this study will be to assess the impact of the distribution on the number of cases of Malaria in the Malaria season in 2011 (typically runs from January to May), if the health of children has improved, and if there is an increase in school attendance.

Distribution Expenses

A brief list of expenses is given below. With funds raised from donors such as you, we purchased and distributed 1000 malaria bed nets in Lusaka, Zambia for a total expense of $6600.

Actual Expenses for Distribution of 1000 Malaria Nets in Zambia in January 2011

Expense Item             Amount in USD

Mosquito Nets (1000)        5978

Transport of Nets                 65

Transport for Staff               33

Transport for Guests         196

Temporary hire of hall         54

Pictures                          109

Communication                 44

Snacks                            44

Expenses for Consultant   44

Banner                            33

Total                            6600

 Note: The Exchange rate used is 1 USD=4600 ZMK

Next Steps

The distribution activities were performed as planned and we would like to thank our donors again for their generosity. However, since the need for nets is much higher, a large number of uninvited guests turned up hoping to receive a net. We were able to provide nets only to people on our list and this led to disappointment for those who did receive nets. At this time we are raising funds to distribute an additional 2000 nets in a rural area in Zambia in 2011.