To this day, the humble insecticide-treated net (ITN) is one of our most powerful weapons in the fight against malaria. Research shows that ITNs reduce malaria incidence by at least 50 percent, and in some cases, by up to 100 percent. It’s frustrating to see various myths and misconceptions about ITNs still circulating. Whenever someone uses this harmless tool badly or chooses to ignore it altogether, they undermine the global campaign against malaria, and we all end up paying the price. In this piece, I hope to put misconceptions to bed so that we are all clear about the true nature of ITNs.
What Are Insecticide-Treated Nets?
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) prevent mosquito bites, which are the primary carriers of malaria. Made from lightweight, durable fabrics treated with insecticide, these nets serve sleeping areas. In many countries where people widely use ITNs, studies show that they can reduce malaria cases by half.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth: ITNs Are Only Effective in Certain Areas
Fact: ITNs are sometimes mistaken for being effective just in certain areas, but ITNs are effective in all environments with some continual use. No matter if you are in an urban area or a rural area, ITNs can help you protect yourself from malaria.
Myth: ITNs Are Only Necessary in Malaria-Endemic Areas
Fact: ITNs are most important in malaria-endemic areas. However, they are useful in areas where malaria outbreaks are possible since children can sleep under their nets before the outbreak causes any deaths. ITNs are also useful for travelers to malaria-endemic areas to avoid getting sick.
Myth: ITNs Are Ineffective if Not Used Every Night
Fact: That’s right – nightly use of ITNs maximizes the insecticide net’s protective effects. But ITNs are still useful even if you don’t use them every night. The insecticide on the net remains active for months, and occasional use can still reduce your malaria risk. However, if you can use them every night, that’s best.
Myth: ITNs Are Harmful to Health
Fact: Many questions have been raised regarding the safety of the insecticides used in ITNs. However, because the insecticides used in ITNs are safe for human health when used according to guidelines, consistently large routine regulatory evaluations have shown that they effectively target and kill mosquitoes while posing minimal risks to humans and other non-target species. The health benefits of malaria prevention far outweigh these small risks.
Myth: ITNs Are Expensive and Not Affordable for Everyone
Fact: The upfront cost of ITNs is a barrier and many schemes, operations, projects, drives, and uptake campaigns continue to make the ITNs available to people who need them. Governments, public sector programs, NGOs, and international organizations often distribute ITNs to malaria-endemic regions at heavily subsidized rates or free of charge. Furthermore, the value of preventing malaria over decades in terms of health for the patient and the cost saving for society makes the ITN an inexpensive protection device.
Myth: ITNs Need Frequent Replacements
Fact: ITNs can last several years with proper care. The insecticide treatment in the net can remain effective for up to three years, depending on the type of net and the conditions in which it is used. With proper maintenance ie, washing with warm, soapy, but not heavily detergent-laden water, and air-drying before re-hanging – the net can last for this length of time.
Myth: ITNs Are Only for Children and Pregnant Women
Myth: While children and pregnant women are considered the most vulnerable populations to malaria, ITNs must be used by everyone, of all ages and both genders. The reality is that anyone living in an area with malaria transmission and exposed to mosquito bites is at risk of malaria.
Myth: ITNs Are Only Useful for Preventing Malaria
Fact: ITNs thus also offer some protection against a host of other diseases conveyed by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever and chikungunya. That little-known benefit contributes to the attractiveness of ITNs in any place where several mosquito-borne illnesses are pervasive.
Overcoming Challenges
We need to do more to combat the myths and misconceptions about ITNs to maximize their benefits. Here are a few approaches:
- Education and awareness: Educate communities about the benefits and appropriate use of ITNs through public health campaigns, community meetings, and informational materials.
- Local Leaders: Local opinion leaders, those members of the community that are most well-liked or respected, can have a very effective impact. By collaborating with them and educating them on ITNs, they can in turn spread the word and educate the broader public.
- Improved access and affordability: ITNs need to be available to everyone. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must continue to work to ensure that ITNs are available in all malaria-endemic regions and available to vulnerable groups.
- Regular monitoring and evaluation of ITN programs help detect and resolve any issues related to use or delivery. This process also generates data that can refine strategies based on accumulated field experience.
- Encouraging Regular Usage: Utilising ITNs at night is the key to their effectiveness. Consequently, public education and support programs targeting households with young children and pregnant women can encourage regular usage of ITNs.
- Focusing on safety: There is a need to produce clear, evidence-based information about the safety of ITNs and the insecticides that kill mosquitoes, and to use it in programs.
- Emphasizing the Added Benefits: Emphasising the added benefits of ITNs beyond malaria – such as protection from other mosquito-borne diseases – can improve the perception of their value.
While insecticide-treated nets are extremely powerful defenses against malaria, myths and misconceptions can undermine their potential. Mitigating misinformation and correcting misunderstandings is a crucial way to harness the power of ITNs and promote global malaria control.
