How Much Do Mosquito Nets Cost?
WouterUsing a mosquito net is the most effective way to prevent malaria. This ancient disease kills over 1.5 to 2 million people each year worldwide. A net is less expensive than sealing entryways and can protect two people from the mosquito for three years.
The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Africa has contributed to a global effort to prevent more than 7 million cases of malaria. Insecticide-treated nets are made from polyethylene or nylon and repel mosquitoes.
During the last decade, mosquito net manufacturers have adapted to the market by reducing prices. In addition, manufacturers have been able to scale up their operations, and LLINs are now widely available. As a result, the cost of insecticide-treated nets has dropped to historic lows. However, the market is now facing a perfect storm, including a rise in shipping costs, increases in raw material costs, and newer, more expensive nets.
Insecticide-treated nets are now estimated to prevent around 68% of malaria cases in Africa since 2000. A recent study estimates that up to US$3.8 billion in savings could be achieved over 10 years by increasing the lifespan of LLINs.
As the market continues to grow, more and more manufacturers are gaining approval for LLINs from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pesticides Evaluation Scheme (PES). The WHOPES has provided LLIN producers with a means to optimise manufacturing processes, and reduce prices.
The New Nets Project, led by the Innovative Vector Control Consortium, is helping to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets to malaria-endemic countries. The project started in Burkina Faso in 2019, and will expand to Rwanda, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire by 2020.
