USE OF
INSECTICIDE-TREATED BED NETS:
The use of insecticide treated outs
(ITN) and house spraying represent a quantum leaf on the use of physical
barriers and chemicals in malaria control. Mosquito nets treated with
pyrethroid insecticides provide a remarkable degree of protection against
malaria in Africa. Excellent results here
obtained from filed trials in Ghana,
Gambia, Kenya and Tanzania. Chris Cutis showed that
both methods reduced the prevalence of anemia and the number of malaria-
infective mosquitoes biting each night by 90%. ITN was how ever found more cost
effective, and house holds preferred the treated bed nets to house spraying.
ITN reduces child mortality and
the maidens of mild and severe malaria.
the maidens of mild and severe malaria.
The
significant positive impact on malaria control, the acceptance and cost
effectiveness of ITN should be good indicators for decision-makers to consider-directing
policies on this very important control tool. Currently, the use of treated bed
nets is not as widespread as it ought to be. Implementation of ITN programs
should be encouraged and supported as widely as possible in Africa.
Emphasis should be placed on the effective development and marketing of simple
and affordable treatment kids for self use in homes.
This would be more user
friendly, avoiding the cumbersome community based treatment, and encourage more
people to use ITN, unit an effective vaccine becomes available, malaria control
will rely predominantly on ITNs to reduce human mosquito control. National ITN
programs should therefore be setup in all Africa
countries to pursue this option venomously. Local private sector initiatives in
bed net production at subsidized prices, and free distribution of insecticides
should be encouraged.
This would make ITN available to the most improve shed
members in our rural communities, where malaria is prevalent. There is an
argument that long term use of ITN may lead to loss of partial protection in
African adults. This is underscored by the success of ITN in reducing mortality
due to malaria, especially in children. The claim however, need to be further
investigated in areas of high transmission.
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