By Annemarie Meyer, Programme and Policy Manager

I have spent last week with malaria experts from around the world discussing the significant progress that has been made as well as some of the challenges ahead in using mosquito nets for malaria prevention. The Alliance for Malaria Prevention meeting is a great forum to discuss and share learning and new research about how to get protective nets out to and used by everyone at risk from malaria.

This learning from experience is vital in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of net distribution efforts. The meeting included inspiring presentations from a number of African countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cameroun and Senegal.

The meeting was also a reminder that we should not lose track of the incredible revolution that these nets have facilitated in the fight against malaria. As Professor Christian Lenegler of the Swiss Tropical Research Institute said in his closing address: “Twenty years ago we were trying to get evidence about what difference these new insecticide treated nets (ITNs) could make. We showed in studies that they could reduce deaths by 20% and malaria cases by 50%. This was remarkable. However the proof, as always, is in the implementation and the results we have found from over a decade of using these nets in large numbers is even more impressive. I know of only two more effective public health interventions than these ITNs – the eradication of smallpox and the measles vaccination.”

Despite incredible progress, we, as a global malaria community, are facing a significant resource gap in getting to and sustaining coverage of these vital prevention tools. The meeting also focused attention on ideas to diversify and increase funding and on ways to do more with less. What we cannot do is let up on our efforts, we all have a duty to sustain and increase the excellent progress made so far to ensure these life-saving tools are available for all who need them.

Find out more:

• See presentations and notes from the Alliance for Malaria Prevention
• AMP toolkit – helping countries plan and improve net distribution campaigns
• Our work with partners to achieve net coverage in Ghana
• Encourage others and show your support
• Make a donation now to support the fight against malaria