By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director/Founder
Power of Love Foundation was able to provide 2000 long lasting insecticide treated nets, and education on prevention of malaria to children and families vulnerable to malaria in the summer of 2014. Beneficiaries included those sections of the population most vulnerable to malaria, namely children under five years of age, HIV positive children, expecting moms people living with HIV, people infected with TB, and orphans and vulnerable children. At this time we are rasing funds to provide 2000 bed nets in 2015. Please donate generously to save lives in Zambia.
Rationale and Findings of a Post-distribution of Malaria Nets Study
In order to understand the impact of the provision of nets and education on malaria prevention we met with 200 beneficiary families in October 2014 to:
Findings of the Study: We met with more than 200 beneficiary families and learnt that most beneficiaries:
(i) know what measures to take to prevent malaria,
(ii) are using the nets and using them as demonstrated during the distribution day activities.
(iii) know when and where to take the nets for re-treating with pesticide after six months, and
(iv) are storing nets properly as they are relatively clean and not damaged/torn.
In addition, all children enrolled in Power of Love’s paediatric HIV care program have been free of malaria since June 2014. As a result of their improved health (measured by a gain in weight and higher CD4 counts), school attendance and performance of these children has improved.
Impact of the Provision of Nets and Education on Malaria Prevention
Most of the older children and adult beneficiaries are using the bed nets, and the nets are being used as demonstrated during the distribution day activities. A few beneficiaries did not know the proper way of using nets and they were provided with information on this subject. In addition, beneficiaries have increased knowledge and awareness about malaria prevention. The use of bed nets has led to fewer cases of malaria in the community and hence fewer visits to the clinic. The number of direct and indirect beneficiaries is approximately 3200 as a net can sleep multiple people (one net can sleep two adults or four young children).
Beneficiary families are happy with the receipt of malaria bed nets as it keeps them healthy and malaria free. Community and Church leaders expressed their thanks and would like this malaria prevention program to continue in 2015 and beyond. This is especially true as most families live on less than one dollar a day due to high levels of unemployment and are unable to afford net.
We are confident that with the continued provision of malaria bed nets and education, there will be a marked reduction in the incidence of malaria in this community.
Thanks for helping prevent malaria in Zambia.
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