Monitoring the durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets in field conditions in Nepal.
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Date
2014-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
Abstract
Understanding and improving the durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)
in the field is critical for the success of malaria prevention using mosquito nets,
as well as contributing to procurement decisions based on the number of years
of protection, rather than the current practice of unit cost. Using the recently
published guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) some progress
has been made in the monitoring and assessment of performance of nets in the
field. This paper describes the protocol of an ongoing retrospective study of the
attrition rate, physical integrity and bioefficacy of three polyester LLIN products
that were distributed during 2010 to 2013 in Nepal. It is hoped that robust and
auditable data on net survival (physical integrity and bioefficacy) of these three
brands in different environments will assist the Nepal National Malaria Control
Programme in planning future LLIN-replacement strategies, including behaviourchange
communication about LLIN care and maintenance. The advantages and
disadvantages of prospective and retrospective cross-sectional approaches
are discussed, including appropriate strategies to validate the timing for mass
distribution of nets. Similar studies should be done in other countries to (i) track
LLIN durability to support management of resupply, and (ii) inform procurement
decisions at the global level. New, more predictive, textile laboratory testing is also
urgently needed.
Description
Keywords
Bioefficacy, long-lasting insecticidal nets, malaria, malaria control, malaria transmission, physical integrity
Citation
WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health 2014;3(1): 81-84.