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Published in April 2008
NEPAL

Nation-wide community network distributes bednets

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in Nepal

At the height of political unrest in Nepal, when almost all development activities came to a standstill in some of the targeted malaria epidemic-prone districts, more than 100,000 free insecticide treated bed nets were distributed within a period of three months just before the monsoon when malaria infections are at their peak.

This was made possible by a nation-wide network of community organisations comprising religious groups, sports clubs and associations, youth groups and schools. It ensured quick and efficient decision making at various levels, from grassroots up.

The prevention and treatment campaign was also made possible through cooperation between Population Services International-Nepal (PSI-Nepal), the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund. PSI-Nepal is a non-profit organization that has teamed up with the Supanet company, which is making nets available for free to address the health problems of low-income and vulnerable populations in Nepal.

Since the program began, there have been no further malaria outbreaks in the district.


Top photo: Chamkali and Pooja Tharu setting up their insecticide treated bed net. The national policy in Nepal is to provide one net for every two residents in a household plus one net for every woman attending an ante natal clinic.
Bottom photo: The Devi family relaxes under thier insecticide treated bed net.