Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net Among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya.
Gore-Langton, Georgia R;
Mungai, James;
Alenwi, Nfornuh;
Abagira, Abdullahi;
Bicknell, Owen M;
Harrison, Rebecca E;
Hassan, Farah Amin;
Munga, Stephen;
Eves, Katie;
Juma, Elizabeth;
+1 more...Allan, Richard;
(2015)
Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net Among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 93 (5).
pp. 1002-1009.
ISSN 0002-9637
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.14-0458
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Rising reports of exophagic malaria vectors make even more pressing the need for alternatives to traditional, mesh, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) designed for indoor sleeping and often inadequate in the protection of outdoor-sleeping populations. This study tests and evaluates the retention, utilization, and durability of novel, non-mesh nets designed for outdoor use. Longitudinal, cross-sectional surveys were conducted, the physical condition of nets was assessed, and bio-efficacy and insecticide content were tested. At 22 months, retention was 98.0%; 97.1% of nets fell within the World Health Organization (WHO) category of being in "good" condition; none were in the "torn" category. At 18 months post-distribution, 100% of nets had at least WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES)-acceptable levels of insecticide, this proportion was 66.7% at 22 months. This novel mosquito net has the potential to provide a durable and context-specific tool to prevent malaria among traditionally hard-to-protect and highly vulnerable populations.