SUCCESS STORIES

MOZAMBIQUE: Retreating Bed Nets Saves Lives by Continuing to Protect Mozambicans from Malaria

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PROBLEM:

Mozambique's Ministry of Health (MOH) has long promoted the use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) as a successful way to protect its citizens against malaria. But with the development and widespread use of long-lasting ITNs (LLINs) in recent years, MOH officials discovered that older bed nets needed retreatment with insecticide to remain effective against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These nets were part of a "bundled" package and required the user to soak the net in the insecticide to activate the protective coating.

SOLUTIONS:

To extend the life of these nets already in use, the MOH decided to call upon its partners in the fight against malaria and launch a retreatment campaign in the five provinces where the bundled nets were mostly widely distributed. In Inhambane province, the Malaria Consortium volunteered to support the provincial health authorities, while PSI, World Vision and Aga Khan Foundation covered the remaining four provinces, reaching out to a targeted population of 500,000.

Community and traditional leaders also played a key role in the campaign since they are well-known and respected by the community. Their participation helped facilitate mobilization of the community, improved the understanding and acceptance of volunteers, and increased readiness to bring in nets for retreatment.

The campaign's door-to-door approach proved useful as well, not only in ensuring greater numbers of nets were treated, but it also allowed a more accurate analysis of how many nets an average family has and how they are being used.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Dra Josefina, the Director of Health in the district of Massinga, was delighted to come home at the end of a long day and discover that volunteers had visited her home and treated all three of her family's nets. She also noted that antenatal clinics are now distributing LLINs to pregnant women, reducing the need for future retreatment campaigns. More women are being encouraged to attend antenatal clinics and learn of the services offered to them by the Mozambique.

A woman about six months pregnant with her fifth child said she recently received a special net from the nurse at the local health center and was pleased to hear it did not need treatment.

"It is good the government is helping us like this because we are poor but want to protect our children," she said.

Contacts for further details:

Regina Duarte, Malaria Consortium
Email: r.duarte@malariaconsortium.org

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