Project Mosquito Nets

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.