It is an idea born from the New Nets project, financed by Unitaid and the Global Fund, then led by the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC). From 2019 to 2022, the testing of dual-action mosquito nets in countries where malaria is highly endemic ended up resulting in a favorable outcome for human health.
Indeed, in response to the growing threat of insecticide resistance, it was found that the new bed nets (which were coated with a new generation pyrrole insecticide in combination with the standard pyrethroid insecticide) were much more effective in controlling against malaria. Evaluation of two clinical trials and five pilot studies showed the new nets improved malaria control by 20 to 50 percent in countries reporting insecticide resistance in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to standard nets, the groups said in a press release.
“The success of the New Nets project is proof that by fostering collaboration between global health partners, harnessing innovation and using market-shaping approaches, we can combat insecticide resistance, make our highly cost-effective interventions and accelerate progress against malaria,” Global Fund head Peter Sands was quoted as saying in the statement.
According to the Global Fund, it is estimated that the 56 million state-of-the-art mosquito nets introduced in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have prevented 13 million cases of malaria and 24,600 deaths, when compared to conventional mosquito nets.
