Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net Among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya

Type Journal Article - The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Title Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net Among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya
Author(s)
Volume 93
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 1002-1009
URL http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.778.6193&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Abstract
Rising reports of exophagic malaria vectors make even more pressing the need for alternatives to traditional,
mesh, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) designed for indoor sleeping and often inadequate in the protection
of outdoor-sleeping populations. This study tests and evaluates the retention, utilization, and durability of novel,
non-mesh nets designed for outdoor use. Longitudinal, cross-sectional surveys were conducted, the physical condition
of nets was assessed, and bio-efficacy and insecticide content were tested. At 22 months, retention was 98.0%;
97.1% of nets fell within the World Health Organization (WHO) category of being in “good” condition; none were in
the “torn” category. At 18 months post-distribution, 100% of nets had at least WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme
(WHOPES)-acceptable levels of insecticide, this proportion was 66.7% at 22 months. This novel mosquito net has the
potential to provide a durable and context-specific tool to prevent malaria among traditionally hard-to-protect and highly
vulnerable populations.

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