Fighting Malaria

The front line of defense in preventing malaria in Africa is the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets.

Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets simultaneously provide a protective covering for the body while releasing chemicals to repel and kill the infection-carrying mosquitoes.

Recent technology has dramatically improved malaria nets by infusing the insecticide in the netting material, making the nets effective for up to five years. 

Traditional nets must be treated every six months with insecticide, a practice hard to maintain in remote areas. Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets mark a new era in fighting malaria.

The malaria nets are hung over beds or mats. Most nets cover three children. The nets protect people from being bitten by mosquitoes at night. The insecticide kills those mosquitoes that come in contact with it, as well as repels and reduces the number of mosquitoes that enter the house.

Research has shown that the actual mosquito population drops by as much as 90% when three-quarters of a community uses nets consistently.

The insecticide used in the nets distributed through NetsforLife® is deltamethrine. This insecticide is believed to be superior to the conventional permethrine used in re-treated nets.

Indoor Residual Spraying

In recent years, scientific evidence has validated the safety of Indoor Residual Spraying: the application of long-acting insecticides including DDT on the walls and roofs of houses, public buildings and domestic animal shelters in order to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes that land on these surfaces. However, there are places where such spraying is ineffective and should not be used. 

Integrated prevention—including training, insecticide-treated nets, symptom recognition and environmental management—are extremely effective in combating malaria.

Advocacy and access to effective drug therapies

Since prompt and effective medical treatment saves lives, NetsforLife® works with governments and local health providers to promote awareness of and access to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), the first-line malaria treatment recommended by the WHO.

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria because the parasites have a high affinity for the mother’s placenta. This high concentration of malaria parasites in the placenta compromises the passage of nutrients and oxygen, often resulting in premature delivery and low birth weight of babies.

NetsforLife® works to increase the use of proven preventive treatments (called Intermittent Preventive Treatment—IPT) among pregnant women.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

These tests can be used in places with limited access to health-care facilities or where malaria is endemic in Africa.

NetsforLife® advocates for the increased use of RDTs in local communities to ensure accurate diagnosis so that those who need drugs get them quickly.