Insecticide-treated mosquito nets, or ITNs, are one of the most effective methods for the prevention of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa where over 2 million people die every year as a result of the disease, the majority of its victims being pregnant women and children under five . ITNs have been shown to decrease severe malaria by 45%, reduce premature births by 42% and cut all-cause child mortality by 17%-63%. For every 1000 ITNs utilized, the lives of 5.5 children (under age 5) are saved.

Among the most at-risk populations, the World Health Organization estimates an annual need for over 32,000,000 ITNs. The cost and logistical challenge of delivering these life-saving products across a continent on a sustainable basis is simply beyond the means of governments, NGOs, international organizations and donors alone.

Since its launch in 1999 NetMark worked closely with the commercial sector to identify and overcome the barriers to the creation of commercially viable markets for ITNs in Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia. By creating commercial markets for high quality and affordable ITNs to serve those who are able to pay and prefer the convenience and choice of the marketplace, NetMark and its partners helped the public sector focus its limited resources on those most at risk, who cannot afford to pay, and who need free nets. An expanded market also increased the options for, and the efficiency of, subsidy mechanisms.

RBM Strategic Framework on Scaling Up ITN Programmes in Africa
(pdf, 128 KB)

Handbook of Practical Quality Testing Methods for the Mosquito Net Manufacturer
(Word, 680KB)