COMMUNITY-BASED SALE, DISTRIBUTION AND INSECTICIDE IMPREGNATION OF MOSQUITO NETS IN BAGAMOYO DISTRICT, TANZANIA

When insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets are used in malaria control programmes, distribution, promotion of usage and impregnation with insecticide are typically the responsibility of the personnel of the programme. In order to create a more sustainable system for implementing bed net interventions, a bed net committee was formed in each of 13 villages in the study area. Implementation is proceeding by stages in 4 groups of 3-4 villages each to allow committee members and project personnel to identify problems and solve them before implementation starts in the next area. Once nominated and confirmed in a village meeting, committee members attend a day-long seminar in which they discuss how distribution, sales of nets and impregnation should take place. Committee members not only help on 'distribution days', but also promote proper usage of the nets and assist villagers who have difficulties setting up the nets. A revolving fund is being established for each village to pay committee members and purchase nets and insecticide after the project ends. Factors which may affect the sustainability of this system are discussed.