Research Data Show Promise of RBM Approach:
ITN Coverage Up in Senegal and Nigeria

ITN coverage in Senegal and Nigeria is on the rise, according to household surveys conducted by NetMark in 2004. Compared to 2000 baseline data, the percent of households owning a net that has ever been treated has increased from 11 percent to 43 percent in Senegal and from zero to 10 percent in Nigeria (see figure 1).

These increases in coverage show the effectiveness of Roll Back Malaria’s strategic framework, which focuses on building sustainable and equitable commercial markets by stimulating the commercial supply of ITNs, creating demand for ITNs among consumers, and reaching vulnerable populations through targeted subsidy programs.

NetMark conducted baseline surveys in 2000 and launched programs in Senegal and Nigeria in 2002 based on RBM’s strategic framework. NetMark’s efforts included national and regional media campaigns and other promotional programs, expanded distribution of commercial products, and coordination with national malaria control programs and RBM partners.

“This new data confirm that USAID’s investment in support of the RBM partnership in these countries through NetMark is contributing to significant improvement in equitable coverage, sustainability, and public health impact,” said Dennis Carroll of USAID.

Promoting Equitable Coverage
NetMark’s research data indicate ITN coverage has increased across all SES groups. Figures 2 and 3 show the percentages of households by SES level that own currently treated (defined as long-lasting nets or those treated within the last 12 months), ever treated, and untreated nets in Senegal and Nigeria. Across the board, these data show major increases in net ownership, with particular growth in currently treated nets.

“One of NetMark’s goals is to ensure equity in ITN coverage, and the data from our 2004 household surveys show that we’re on the right track,” said David McGuire, NetMark project director.

Reaching Vulnerable Populations
Although expanded and sustainable commercial markets are reaching more
and more households, NetMark has developed targeted subsidy programs to
reach children under five and pregnant women. These targeted subsidy programs
offer vouchers to vulnerable groups for purchase of a net at a discount in a commercial outlet.

These programs most often use existing health interventions (e.g., antenatal care,
immunization programs) to get discount vouchers to the target groups. The vouchers
usually offer a discount equal to half of an ITN’s commercial price. In some cases the voucher covers the full price of the ITN.

Figure 4 shows the percentage of children under 5 and pregnant women in Senegal and Nigeria who slept under a net or ITN the previous night. In all cases there was growth in the percentage who slept under a net.

Creating a Full Market Impact
The results of the 2004 household surveys in Senegal and Nigeria show the impact that NetMark’s program, which is based on RBM’s strategic framework, is having. NetMark’s efforts in Senegal and Nigeria are helping to create substantial increases in ITN ownership and use, which will reduce malaria in those countries.

The data from the household surveys show the efficacy of the RBM strategy of building on the strength of all sectors to maximize the public health impact.

The surveys include data on many other ITN-related topics, and full reports are in the process of being prepared. NetMark anticipates conducting these surveys again in 2006, to continue measuring progress over time.