WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO USE, MAINTAIN, AND CARE FOR INSECTICIDE-TREATED NET?

Malaria prevention is the responsibility of every individual. We tend to criticize the health systems and the government for not improving health services. However, before doing that, we should reflect on what we have done to prevent malaria in our families.

The Ministry of Health in Uganda distributes free insecticide-treated mosquito nets to every two people per household. Each household receives two mosquito nets for up to four people and three nets for five people or more. To encourage the use of mosquito nets, the Ministry of Health conducts communication campaigns to educate people on their practical use and maintenance.

Besides the ITNs distributed by the government, ITNs are also available in the open market across the country. The price ranges from $2-20 depending on the quality, size, and design.

In this first series of my post on malaria prevention, I will look at.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO USE, MAINTAIN, AND CARE FOR INSECTICIDE-TREATED NET?

INSECTICIDES TREATED NET USE

ITN usage depends on available space, net size, bed type, and size. There are two types of ITN: rectangular and conical. These types come in various sizes. My family and I use rectangular ITNs in our home. We have small ones measuring 100cm in width, 180cm in length, and 170cm in height, and large ones measuring 160cm in width, 180cm in length, and 170cm in height.

To prepare a new ITN, experts recommend aerating the net initially to remove any excess insecticides that may irritate users. My family and I have always spread our new ITN to aerate from inside the house or under the shade outside. It is best to aerate the ITN inside the house to avoid direct sunlight, which can break down the insecticides. Aeration is crucial for a comfortable net experience. Failure to aerate may result in irritation during use. This is one of the reasons why most people abandon the use of ITN.

The rectangular net requires provision for attaching the net, which can be done by creating four pillars on the bed or having support nails on the wall. It requires creativity, especially if you live in a small room or a space where you use it for other purposes during the day. My family and I have decided to modify the beds to create provision for the proper net hanging.

As part of the malaria prevention culture in my home, everyone knows how to set up nets and tack in, and as a practice, always check inside the net to ensure there is no mosquito present before you tack in.

One of the critical practices in my home is to make sure we pack our mosquito nets in preparation for travel. It is essential to keep the net use culture regardless of location.

NET MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Expert advice on two key considerations in the maintenance of ITN: keeping your net clean by watching it. It is important to note that if you are watching the net, you don't use detergent or dry it under direct sunlight as they will denature the insecticides.

Caring for your ITN always depends on the context. For those in rural settings using the net in the same house used for cooking during the day, experts advise that we keep the nets away from open flame and always fold them up during the day. Besides that, it's always important to keep checking on your net to ensure it has no damages and, in case of any, repair.

It's great to have mosquito net culture in the family! All the maintenance and care aspects mentioned above are part of our routine. Do you have any tips to share? #MosquitoNetCulture #FamilyTraditions #HealthyLiving Tonny Komakech Med Makumbi Daudi Ochieng Dr. Richard Kabanda, PhD, MPH, MBA, FAIPH Edward Mugwanya Ministry of Health - Uganda Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences (UIAHMS)-Mulago Paramedical School. Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Malaria Consortium Malaria No More UK UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control Malaria Travel Advice National Institute of Malaria Research Malaria Travel Advice Dr. Nataliey Bitature Tulane University