Is this method more cost effective than others?
Nets cost between US$5 - $10 and between US$.50 - $1.00 per year thereafter to re-treat with the insecticide. Polyester nets can last up to 5 years and have to be re-dipped every 6 months. At present, families who can afford it are paying for anti-malarial drugs, insecticide sprays, coils, or traditional control methods. In the long term, treated nets are expected to be more cost effective as the nets are durable and can be re-dipped in insecticide locally. In fact, local industries can be created around the manufacturing of these nets.
Is it better than other methods?
No single method has been found to eradicate the disease or stop its spread in tropical countries. Many countries, including the United States, the former Soviet Republic and many Caribbean Islands, have eliminated malaria through intensive and costly control programs using a variety of environmental approaches and spraying. In 1967, WHO realized that global eradication of malaria was impossible and the focus shifted to control. Bednets may eventually prove to be the single most effective malaria intervention for Africa.
Can people in the Third World afford these bednets?
The areas where malaria is most prevalent are often the poorest regions of the world. Families now spend considerable portions of their disposable income on health care, often for malaria treatment. As with other public health programs and control methods, governments and donor agencies could contribute to the costs. However, studies have shown that families who use the bednets do better overall. Family members can be more productive, have fewer bouts of illness, and do not have to spend hard earned money on a variety of prevention methods and treatments.
What about the recent malaria vaccine developed by Colombian biochemist, Dr. Manuel Patarroyo?
In 1987, Dr. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo developed the world's first synthetic vaccine, the first vaccine against a parasite and the first vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum (the most common and deadly malaria paraiste). Still under development, the vaccine has not yet proven to reduce deaths in Africa. In 1992, Dr. Patarroyo donated the vaccine to the World Health Organization. The combined use of immunization and bednets might provide the highest possible potential for stopping deaths from malaria in the future.
Is there a danger of insecticide poisoning for children sleeping under these nets?
WHO gave approval to pyrethroids in general and permethrin in particular for use in bednets. This household insecticide is commonly used in medicated lice shampoo. It also has no tendency for bioaccumulation and is rapidly broken down in both soil and sunlight. The treated nets are deadly to mosquitoes but do not affect people. Earlier research also helped determine the minimal amount of insecticide needed to be effective and the appropriate hole size of netting to ensure protection from mosquitos while providing sufficient ventilation.
Is there a danger that mosquitoes will become resistant to the insecticide used?
Yes. The development of resistance to any particular insecticide can occur. Acceptable solutions will have to be determined in conjunction with the people involved and could include finding alternative insecticides in anticipation of this happening or promoting scheduled shifts in the insecticides used.
How will this research be used?
With these significant results, researchers can now seek additional donor support to ensure the results are implemented quickly and reach the children who need it most. Researchers would like to find ways to reduce the cost of the nets to people by changing the policies on import duties, encouraging local mass production, providing community credit, or other financial schemes, for example. Studies are also being conducted on net fabric that would last up to 20 years. Dissemination and proper use education programs also need to be developed further.
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