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