Insecticide-treated mosquito net interventions: a manual for national control programme managers

This manual, produced by the World Health Organization, provides guidance on the strategic and planning aspects of developing an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) programme. ITNs have been shown to be effective in reducing malaria transmission but currently have low population coverage. This book argues that developing the commercial market is the only sustainable way to provide widespread access to these nets. Key stages of the programme are covered as follows:

• Development of a national strategy and establishment of partnerships, for example between national control programme managers (NCPMs) and the private sector
• Detailed planning of the programme, including research, monitoring and evaluation
• Financial and commercial strategy, including pricing and the creation of demand
• Ensuring equity of access to ITNs by means of subsidies to vulnerable groups and emergency relief for displaced or migrant populations
• Use of social marketing to promote community acceptance and appropriate usage of ITNs, and educate people about malaria
• Supply of nets and insecticides, from procurement to distribution.