Uganda: Visiting the Mosquito Net Vendor

It was a great meeting with Dr. Robert at the Quality Chemicals office and store. Although, I must say it felt a little strange knowing we were visiting because they supply one of the items in the children’s bedkit. We were there to see the mosquito net that is included in every one of the 6,000 bedkit that we will give out.

From Uganda 2011

The mosquito nets are a very important part of the bedkit as it is one of the essential tools for securing against malaria. It is bought from a chemical company because they are already treated with an insecticide. This not only kills mosquitoes, but repels them from the child, who will often have an arm or leg up against the net while sleeping.

The next question was, "If it’s an insecticide then will it harm the child sleeping beneath it?"

Dr. Robert advised us that many tests have been done for this specifically by the World Health Organization (WHO), and they are satisfied with its benefits and have no concerns with its safety. The net included in this year’s bedkit is WHO certified.

From Uganda 2011

Just as important, Dr Robert advised us, there are specific ways to care for this most important part of the bedkit. He recommends that the net be washed in a gentle soap instead of a detergent as they have found that if it is cared for it in this way, 80% of the insecticide will still be there after twenty washes. He also advised that the nets be dried out of the sun as the UV rays can deplete the insecticide. As well, they should be laid out flat so the insecticide does not have a chance of dripping off.

It was an informative meeting that set our minds at ease. It also armed us with valuable information that will be shared with both the parents and the children at each distribution site.

Suzanne Dobinson
for the Uganda 2011 SCAW Team

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