Other Uses for Insecticide-Treated Nets

In our prospectus, we make the case that Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITN's) - which are the major malaria weapon the UN, WHO and CDC recommend, are only a partial solution.  Statistics have shown that the 145 million nets handed out have reduced the incidence of malaria over the last 10 years.  But people continue to get sick and die.  Why?  There isn't enough infrastructure in the world to get nets into the hands of all needy people.  

Keeping chickens is easier with UN-provided bed nets

Even for those who do receive nets, the devices are often used for other purposes.  We know of cases where nets are used to catch fish in Lake Victoria.  Nets are used as hammocks to hold vegetables or dry beans.  They are used to screen windows... which at least may prevent some contact with mosquitos.  In this photo, received here yesterday, a man uses his net as a way to corral his chickens... and this while two of his children are suffering with malaria.

What gives?  Why aren't people walking miles to beg for ITN's?  The answer is complicated but can be summarized by three facts.  First, nets are foreign objects to subsistence farmers.  Motivating these people to work the temporary devices into their way of life that hasn't changed for centuries is not easy.  Second, "poor Africa" has learned that a gift from the West comes with strings attached, such as: we will give you aid if you strike down your laws against homosexuality.  This has been going on for decades.  The receiving nations and their people just do not see an acceptable quid pro quo with nets.  And third, these are people who have been living with the reality of malaria forever.  It is regarded a lot like the flu - it happens - most people will survive.

So nets are a weapon in the fight against malaria.  So is spraying.  And so is Neem.  As one Minister of Health said, "We will use anything... I don't care if it's moon dust... to rid ourselves of this scourge."  Neem trees offer the best and greatest hope for the future.  You will read more about that in future posts.  Thx for reading.  Pls feel free to comment on this post or e-mail me with questions:  neemjournalist@gmail.com