The use of mosquito net: An effective tool to eradicate malaria

BY DORCAS BASSEY

In an estimated 100 million malaria cases in the world, about 300,000 deaths is recorded in Nigeria every year. The casualties are devastating.
 

According to the Nigeria National Malaria Strategic Plan 2014-2020, malaria is responsible for 60 percent of outpatient visit to health facilities, 30 percent of childhood deaths, 25 percent of death in children under one year, and 11 percent of maternal deaths. All these data can be reduced drastically, if we often use mosquito nets where malaria or other insect- borne diseases are common, especially as a tent cover over a bed. 

For effectiveness, it is important that the net does not have holes or gaps large enough to allow insects to enter. It is also important to “seal’ the nets properly because mosquitoes are able to penetrate through improperly secured nets and  insects can bite a person through the nets that is why nets must not rest directly on the skin.

Apart from accurate and precise diagnosis of malaria, maintaining a healthy environment and hygienic practice, let us embrace the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs). It should be used correctly and regularly in rural areas, rural- urban, and modern urban cities.

According to world health organization, burn caused estimated 195,000 deaths every year in Nigeria. Most of these burns that occur at home are preventable.

During the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, it is thought that mosquito net should be hung over the ceiling or a frame, and also be built into the tents or installed in windows and doors. When hung over beds, rectangular nets provide more room for sleeping without the danger of the net contacting the skin, at which point mosquitoes may bite through treated net.

More ever, kerosene lamps and candles which are used for reading can contact the nets. Care must be taken to ensure that mosquito nets do not come into contact with fire.

Be sure to use Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN) with caution against fire-burns, and undue spare of chemicals.

When it is overused, do not renew with unapproved insecticide but replace it with a new one.
It is believed these were the important part of the education and communication process during the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets.

 
With effective use of the nets, people could sleep safely, protected against malaria.