Project Mosquito Nets

Wishing all moms, a beautiful Mother’s Day. Today we are thinking of the mothers and aunts in Africa whose families are vulnerable to malaria but do not have the information on how to prevent malaria or the resources to purchase mosquito bed nets.

Zambia is among the 20 countries with the highest malaria incidence and mortality globally. The country has put in place measures, such as provision of bed nets and training of health providers in the management of severe malaria, to address these issues. However, as of the end of 2018, about 40% of households did not have enough nets and in rural areas this number is higher.

To keep vulnerable families safe from malaria, 8,000 long lasting insecticide treated nets and education on prevention of malaria and proper use of nets was provided in the first four months of 2021, as the malaria season runs from February to May. The provision of nets took place in a safe manner and COVID education was provided. Regular use of nets will reduce the incidence of malaria in beneficiary communities, so that adults miss fewer days from work and children can attend school. 

Going Forward

Our goal is to provide an additional 5,000 to 7,000 long lasting insecticide nets and education before the next malaria season starts in October.

Thanks for keeping children and families free from malaria and COVID-19

Links:

• About Project Mosquito Nets
• Why end malaria?
• Impact of our Malaria Prevention Program

A Unique Year

According to Bill Gates, 2020 was a year with “mutually exacerbating catastrophes” due to COVID. Public health has been setback by 25 years, as people are not seeking health care and consequently not receiving life-saving services such as vaccinations. According to WHO, malaria deaths can double due to COVID in Sub-Saharan Africa. The need to escalate preventive measures that include mosquito bed nets and spraying homes with insecticides is greater this year.

Why Zambia

Malaria transmission rates are high in all areas in Zambia, due to high co-infections rates between HIV and malaria, water collection, and poor sanitation. One-third of households do not have access to even one net and the remainder may need more than one net per household. Also, less than 50% of children under five sleep under a net, even though malaria can be fatal for young children. Pregnant women living with HIV are also highly vulnerable to malaria infection and death.

Our Response

To keep vulnerable families safe from malaria, 3,000 mosquito bed nets and education were provided in rural and urban areas this month as the malaria season runs from October to May. Nets provision took place in a safe manner to prevent the spread of COVID.

As always, beneficiary communities were selected based on need and transmission rates of malaria. Direct beneficiaries were young children, children and adults living with HIV, older people, people suffering from TB, and pregnant women. Young children, and HIV+ pregnanat women are especially vulnerable as malaria can be fatal for these groups.  

Plan for 2021

Our goal is to provide a total of 12,000-15,000 long lasting insecticide nets and education benefitting 20,000-50,000 adults and children as each net can sleep up to four young children or two adults. Our vision is for Zambia to be malaria free in the next three years. Zambia has set a lofty goal of eliminating malaria by 2021and according to the USAID this goal is ambitious but within reach.

Thanks for keeping children and families free from malaria and COVID-19

Links:

• Impact of Project Mosquito Nets Program and Plans for 2021
• About Project Mosquito Nets
• Families are enjoying their clean cooking stoves