Sleeping nets
Sleeping nets, particularly insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), are crucial tools designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission from insects, especially in regions heavily impacted by malaria, such as sub-Saharan Africa. These nets are often distributed free or at a subsidized rate, focusing on vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. The long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs) incorporate synthetic pesticides into their fibers, providing a more effective barrier against mosquitoes, which can significantly decrease the incidence of malaria. Studies have shown that the use of ITNs can lead to substantial reductions in malaria-related health issues, such as anemia and parasitemia in pregnant women.
Despite the benefits, distribution challenges persist, as surveys indicate that many families either lack access to these nets or do not prioritize their use for young children. The global efforts to distribute these nets are part of broader initiatives, such as the United Nations Millennium Project, aimed at improving public health outcomes. Ultimately, sleeping nets can be a vital lifeline in preventing life-threatening diseases in high-risk areas.
Sleeping nets
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Bed nets, insecticide-treated nets
Definition
Sleeping nets are used to reduce exposure to disease-carrying insects while resting or sleeping.
Global Distribution
The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Malaria Program (GMP) coordinates global efforts to eradicate malaria. The WHO recommends that people living in affected areas use insecticide-treated sleep nets (ITNs). The organization has delivered more than 3 billion of these nets to malaria-endemic countries. From 2000 to 2020, the percentage of the at-risk population using ITNs increased from 2 percent to 52 percent.
Malaria
In one area in particular, sub-Saharan Africa, people have received sleeping nets in an effort to fight malaria. A study in Tanzania in 2002 showed a one-third reduction in anemia and parasitemia in pregnant women using ITNs. The length of time between nets being treated with pesticides was related to their efficacy. The most widely distributed type of net is the long-lasting insecticidal bed net (LLIN), which is effective for five to seven years. This type of net has pyrethroids (synthetic pesticides), such as permethrin, incorporated into its fibers when manufactured. Pyrethroids are based on derivatives of chrysanthemum flowers.
Untreated nets were traditionally used to reduce exposure to insects, but insects could still get through the nets (either through holes or through an improper seal). The use of pyrethroid kills the insects before entering a net. The mortality rate from malaria in several countries in Africa has been reduced by about 50 percent since these countries started using LLINs instead of untreated sleeping nets.
Distribution Issues
A large survey was conducted in Togo, Niger, Kenya, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone to attempt to determine why ITNs were being underused or not used at all by young children (younger than age five years). The study found that many families did not use a net because they still did not have one, even though millions of nets had been distributed earlier. In other cases, a net was used in a household, but that net was used by someone other than young children.
Impact
Sleeping nets can mean the difference between life and death, especially for pregnant women and young children in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa. A worldwide effort is ongoing to support the purchase and distribution of insecticide-treated nets in Africa.
Bibliography
Beer, N., et al. “System Effectiveness of a Targeted Free Mass Distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Zanzibar, Tanzania.” Malaria Journal 9 (2010): 173-181.
Eng, J. L., et al. “Assessing Bed Net Use and Non-use after Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net Distribution: A Simple Framework to Guide Programmatic Strategies.” Malaria Journal 9 (2010): 133-141.
"Malaria in the UN." Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization (WHO), 2025, www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/malaria-in-the-un. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
"Vector Control." Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization (WHO), 2025, www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/prevention/vector-control. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Marchant, T., et al. “Socially Marketed Insecticide-Treated Nets Improve Malaria and Anaemia in Pregnancy in Southern Tanzania.” Tropical Medicine and International Health 7 (2002): 149-158.
Teklehaimanot, Awash, Gordon C. McCord, and Jeffrey D. Sachs. “Scaling Up Malaria Control in Africa: An Economic and Epidemiological Assessment.” American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 77 (2007): 138-144.