Malaria Consortium - UGANDA

Evaluating different distribution methods for long lasting insecticidal nets

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) are an effective tool for the prevention of malaria morbidity and mortality. The challenge in Uganda and many other malaria endemic countries is to scale-up and sustain coverage with LLINs, and to ensure correct and constant use. Many approaches to LLIN delivery have evolved. These vary widely in scale, target populations and in the strategy used to provide nets and to affect behaviour-change in the end user. In Uganda, two public sector channels are widely used to distribute LLINs free of charge; stand-alone community campaigns or routine antenatal care services. The present study aims to compare these two strategies with regard to: i) LLIN retention and use by the target groups, ii) Equity, and iii) Cost and cost-effectiveness. A common set of techniques will be used to collect cost data. Effectiveness will be measured based on process outcomes; the number of LLINs retained and used by the target groups and the number of treated-net-years (TNYs) associated with these nets. Household surveys will be used to generate retention and usage data. In-depth interviews will generate information on determinants of LLIN retention and usage.