Project Mosquito Nets

The Power of Love team along with beneficiary families in Zambia, would like to say a big “Thank You” to you. As a result of your generosity and caring, we were able to provide 2000 insecticide treated nets and education on prevention of malaria to children and families vulnerable to malaria in Zambia. Due to the continued provision of nets we are seeing a reduction in the incidence of malaria and with improved health more children are able to attend school regularly.

Recent Malaria Prevention Activities: In July 2016, we were able to provide 2000 long lasting insecticide treated nets and education on prevention of malaria to children and families vulnerable to malaria.The event was held at Matero Catholic Church in Lusaka, Zambia and attended by 700-750 beneficiary families. The education on malaria prevention component included a demonstration on the proper use and storage of nets, hygiene, drainage maintenance, filling and removal of mosquito breeding sites, negative impact of malaria in pregnancy, information about malaria for HIV+ children, identification of signs and symptoms of malaria, and information regarding re-treatment of nets every six months.

Impact of Malaria Prevention Activities: Provision of bed nets and education on malaria prevention has gone a long way in reducing the incidence of malaria in our community. As a result of our malaria prevention program, beneficiary families have (i) have increased knowledge about proper use and storage of nets, (ii) are able to re-treat nets every six months, (iii) need fewer visits to hospitals/clinics, (iv) have fewer cases of malaria, (v) see an increase in school attendance due to improved health of the children, and (vi) have a higher quality of life and general well-being.

Measuring Impact: A follow-up study will be conductedin October 2016, to assess the impact of nets on the incidence of malaria and on the health of beneficiary families. This study will assess: regular use and proper storage of nets, knowledge about malaria prevention, and the health of beneficiary families. Results of past follow-up studies have underscored the need for our malaria prevention program.

Plan for 2017: Our goal is to provide 5000 malaria bed nets and education on malaria prevention to children and families in 2017.  Most families in our community cannot afford to purchase a net due to a high unemployment rate in the community. In addition, a rise in prices of essential items is causing increased hardship for residents. Hence there is an ongoing need for nets. With the provision of these nets, our goal is to eradicate malaria from Zambia and keep children and families healthy and malaria free.

Is it possible to reduce malaria deaths to zero? The answer is “yes, we can eradicate loss of life due to malaria as it is both preventable and curable. Malaria has been eradicated in the US and it is possible to eradicate it worldwide. In fact, over the last 15 years, increased prevention and control measures have led to a 60% reduction in malaria mortality rates globally. According to the World Health Organization, sleeping under a mosquito bed net is one of the most cost effective and easiest ways to prevent malaria.

Over the last seven years we have been able to provide over 10,800 insecticide treated nets and education on malaria prevention to families vulnerable to malaria in Zambia. Direct beneficiaries are 43,200 young children or 21,600 adults as each net can sleep up to four young children or two adults. Going forward our plan is to provide 5000 insecticide treated nets or more than double the number of beneficiaries each year.

Thank you for helping us eradicate malaria in Zambia. 

Links:

• Impact of our Malaria Prevention Activities in 2016
• About Project Mosquito Nets
• Impact of PMN on Childrens' Health and Schooling