National Traditional Council of Liberia advocate use of mosquito nets

The President’s Malaria Initiative began in Liberia two years ago. Through this program, a number of measures have been taken to strengthen and expand the prevention and treatment of Malaria throughout the country.  Together with their donor partners, the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare distributed more than one million free insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) to households in six counties in the past year. The PMI distribution brought in 380,000 nets and these were handed out in Grand Bassa, Lofa and Nimba counties. Despite free access to bed nets, households fail to use them consistently. The 2009 national Malaria survey shows about half of those who have them used them the night before.

Malaria is a major public health problem all over the world, especially in Africa.   While the disease affects the lives of nearly everyone, children less than five and pregnant women are most at risk. In Liberia, malaria is the number one cause of child deaths, number one reason for hospital in-patient deaths (all ages), and accounts for one-third of all out-patient visits. It contributes also to the prevalence of anemia, and thus to the high rate of maternal mortality.

The clan chiefs have been working, using radio messages to promote the use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs).  A few months ago, the National Malaria Control Program and its partners launched a mass media and social mobilization campaign. The theme for the campaign is “Everyone Take Cover under the Net, Everywhere, Every Night.  When you ‘take cover under the net,’ you do not only prevent mosquito bite and malaria but you also keep your family healthy and save money that would go towards medical care.