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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4036.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 9:35 AM

Abstract #112341

Rolling Back Malaria in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress toward ITN targets in six countries

Carol Baume, PhD1, M. Celeste Marin, MPH2, and Roshelle Payes, BSFS2. (1) Center for Applied Behavioral and Evaluation Research, Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, (2) NetMark, Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-884-8523, cmarin@aed.org

Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) have been shown to dramatically reduce malaria transmission and decrease severe malaria, premature births and all-cause child mortality. Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and other global and national initiatives have identified ITNs as a key component of malaria control strategies and in 2000, set the ambitious target of at least 60% ITN coverage of those at risk for malaria, particularly children under five and pregnant women, by 2005.

Ninety percent of malaria cases worldwide occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from two rounds of national household surveys on net/ITN awareness, ownership and use conducted in 2000 and 2003-4, we examine progress toward this target in Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia and Ethiopia. In identifying similarities and differences among countries, we discuss changes in patterns of coverage by urban and rural location and by socio-economic status. There are clear regional trends toward increased net/ITN use, with coverage highest in Senegal, Mali and Zambia and lowest in Nigeria. Yet sharp inequalities in coverage in some countries demonstrate the continuing challenge of reaching the poor, and point to the need for expansion of the commercial market as well as for aggressive targeting of subsidies for vulnerable groups if RBM's goal of 60% coverage is to be reached.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Related Web page: www.netmarkafrica.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Treatment and Control

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA