Low Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Impregnated Bednets in Malaria Prevention
The use of mosquito nets is one of the strategies implemented in the fight against malaria. Low household net use exposes the population to a high risk of malaria, and consequently to a public health problem, since it is associated with increased transmission of the virus, and therefore high morbidity and mortality in the long term. Key insights on ITN access, usage, and malaria prevention (EIPC, 2022) • Progress in ITN accessibility: Between 2004 and 2022, the percentage of the population with access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) increased significantly, from just 1% in 2004 to 64% in 2022.
• Urban vs. Rural disparities: Access and use of ITNs are slightly higher in rural areas (68%) compared to urban areas (65%).
• Household ITN availability: Nearly half of households have at least one ITN for every two people. However, 3 out of 10 households lack any ITNs.
• Regional gaps in ITN access: Access is lowest in Centre without Yaoundé (41%), Yaoundé (43%), West (43%), and South (52%).
• Usage among vulnerable groups: Almost 3 out of 5 children under 5 (58%) slept under an ITN the night before the survey. Similarly, nearly 2 out of 3 pregnant women (63%) used an ITN the night before the survey.
• Malaria prevalence: Regions with the highest percentages of children testing positive for malaria are Centre (49%), South (46%), and East (41%).
• Sources of malaria awareness: The most common sources of malaria messages include health workers (31%), parents and family (30%), and television (27%).
