If you are running a relief camp, or you are a supplier of relief items, you need to team up with a good manufacturer of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) to reduce your overhead costs. There are a few ways to choose the ideal Insecticidal Nets.
Sturdy and erosion proof
Most of the Insecticidal Nets are made of polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene threads. While choosing a good quality net, you need to check the tensile strength of the nylon thread. You also need to look at the thread density which is used to weave the mosquito net. If the threads are loosely woven, then the net will not last longer as the regular wear and tear will make holes in the net. If the threads are too closely woven, then it does not allow air to pass and it will be difficult to sleep inside them.
Usage and handling
In relief camps occupants are often careless and don’t maintain the items provided to them properly. They need to wash the nets regularly and use it only for the purpose it is manufactured for. They should not be used as mats to sit on, or children should not play with them and pull and push the threads. This kind of manhandling reduces the longevity of the nets and they need to be frequently replaced.
Insecticidal Nets are very effective to prevent chikun gunia, malaria, dengue and other insect induced diseases. The habitants of the relief camp should be educated about the scarcity of such nets and they should be made aware that if they have lost the one issued to them, they will not be allowed to get another replacement.
Insecticidal Nets made of cotton threads
There are mosquito nets which are woven using sturdy cotton threads too. They are ideal to be used in areas which are very hot. Since nylon does not breathe and is a synthetic material, using nylon or polyester based Insecticidal Nets often are uncomfortable in the hot and humid regions.
While choosing the right quality of Insecticidal Net made of cotton threads, one needs to check with the manufacturer about the quality of the thread used. The weaving pattern is also of utmost importance. WHO (World Health Organization) is promoting Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets to curb the menace of malaria and all the governments across the globe have been directed to run programs in different villages and towns and educate the habitants to use them.
Usage of LLIN has helped in decreasing malaria
The number of Malaria patients is showing a declining trend in the WHO published report. WHO now recommends that LLINs be provided free and urges the non-governmental organizations to join hands in this program. There are global researches going on to find ways to increase the life span of these Insecticidal Nets. If that is achieved then a whopping $3.8 billion could be saved in a span of 10 years. The researchers are trying to find a way to increase the life-span of these LLINs from 3 years to 5 years to save that money which can be used for other humanitarian projects.
