EMN
Dimapur, April 11
The program marking the launch of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets for Mon district was held on April 8 at the office of the chief medical officer of Mon. The additional deputy commissioner of Mon MA Shihab was the guest speaker at the event. During the program, the chief medical officer Dr. UK Konyak highlighted the significance of the nets, which have insecticide incorporated in their fiber, which can kill mosquitoes and insects. The nets effect can last for 5 years or for 20 washes, he said.
ADC MA Shihab launched the LLIN and distributed them to beneficiaries. He appreciated the health department calling it one of the most active departments. Shihab encouraged the department to continue its work in the ‘same spirit’ to ‘reach out to those who really need it.’ To the beneficiaries, he said that the Long Lasting Insecticide Nets were ‘really going to help their family as it is prevention for both their family and others.’ The official urged the beneficiaries to utilise the nets ‘properly.’
So what exactly are long-lasting Insecticide Nets?
Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are being promoted by WHO and Roll Back Malaria partners as a cost effective and sustainable method for protection against malaria. LLINs are nets treated in the factory with an insecticide incorporated into the net fabric which makes the insecticide last at least 20 washes in standard laboratory testing and three years of recommended use under field conditions. With LLINs therefore the time consuming method of retreating old nets is no longer necessary.
There are at present three LLINs recommended as eligible for public sector procurement by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme - Olyset Net®, which has 2% permethrin incorporated into the polyethylene fibres, PermaNet® which is treated with 55mg/m2 of deltamethrin to coat fibres and Interceptor®, which has a target dose of 200mg alpha-cypermethrin per square metre polyester netting and received a preliminary recommendation pending phase 3 data. Olyset Net® has wider mesh size (4mm x 4mm) than the PermaNet®.
At present many ITNs and LLINs look physically very similar. The LLINs need to be easily distinguishable from normal ITNs. This is particularly relevant in areas with high levels of net re-treatment, to make sure only ITNs receive retreatment.
Until recently many ITNs were distributed but net retreatment has often not been successful. The use of LLINs ensures long-term protection against mosquitoes. Until LLIN coverage is higher, however, there is a need to organise treatment of untreated nets and retreatment of conventional ITNs. The use of K-O TAB 1-2-3® to retreat nets is potentially useful, as it can give protection for longer than standard insecticide treatments (up to 15 standardised washes in trials so far).
Key Points:
• Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets provide vital protection from mosquitoes and malaria
• Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets are more cost effective than ITNs that require regular retreatment
• Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets are more likely to have consistent insecticide levels
