Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets help prevent vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, in contexts that include acute humanitarian emergencies and post-emergency settings.
Through mass distribution campaigns and working with local partners, we have helped to promote the widespread use of nets as an effective preventive tool against vector-borne diseases.
The main objective is to ensure that vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, refugees and communities affected by emergencies, have access to this life-saving intervention.
The physical barrier created by the nets prevents mosquito bites during sleeping hours. This interrupts the transmission cycle of malaria and protects people from infection. This has resulted in improved health outcomes, particularly among people at greatest risk, such as pregnant women and young children. Insecticide on the surface of the net also kills mosquitoes, which reduces vector density and provides further protection.
We work closely with local authorities and humanitarian organisations to assist with the efficient distribution and use of nets, targeting areas with high malaria transmission rates and populations that are most at risk.
But the distribution of nets has challenges. In acute humanitarian emergencies, logistical constraints, insecurity and population displacement cause significant obstacles to the effective distribution and use of nets.
It is also a challenge to ensure the sustained usage and proper maintenance of the nets in post-emergency contexts, where resources and support systems may be limited.
Overcoming these challenges requires close coordination with local partners, community engagement, and continuous monitoring and evaluation to address any gaps or barriers.
An example of a large-scale net distribution campaign as part of a broader malaria control programme, took place in Angola in 2017. We worked with local health authorities and partners to carry out mass distribution campaigns across the country amongst communities most at risk.
By engaging community members and providing education about the importance of nets, we encouraged widespread adoption and correct usage of the nets. This contributed to fewer malaria cases and a positive impact on the overall health of the affected communities.
Despite challenges, we have witnessed significant impacts reducing rates of malaria and improved health outcomes. As part of our integrated approach, we are looking to expand the use of nets to address multiple vector-borne diseases, using existing distribution infrastructure and community networks.