Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya |
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| Authors: | Georgia R Gore-Langton James Mungai Nfornuh Alenwi Abdullahi Abagira Owen M Bicknell Rebecca E Harrison Farah Amin Hassan Stephen Munga Katie Eves Elizabeth Juma Richard Allan |
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| Institution: | The MENTOR Initiative, Crawley, United Kingdom; The MENTOR Initiative, North Eastern Province, Kenya; Ministy of Health, Garissa, Kenya; The MENTOR Initiative, Maban, South Sudan; Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Insitute, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Malaria Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 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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