Since December 2009 Kendeya participated into the organisation of the distribution of mosquito nets implemented by the Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) of the region of Kedougou, which took place during the months of January and February. The aim was to have ‘Universal Coverage’ in the Health District of Saraya, which in essence is the provision of ‘Long-Lasting Impregnated Net’ (LLIN) for all sleeping sites in every village within the region. With the involvement of community volunteers, 20 villages received the nets during the January cycle, with a total of 6000 LLINs distributed.
The LLINs are an efficient tool in the realm of malaria prevention, providing better protection than the old Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs). They are efficacious for up to 5 years and do not need to be re-treated after being washed. The usage of a LLIN does not only assure the safety of the individual that sleeps under it, but also has positive health benefits for the whole community. By impeding the transmission of the malaria parasite from human to mosquito and vice-versa, the parasite is unable to accomplish its entire life-cycle and gradually disappears from the zone. In addition the insecticide of the nets kills the anopheles a few minutes after contact, thereby reducing the population of infected mosquitoes in the area. This is, however, only possible through Universal Coverage, as otherwise infected mosquitoes may be diverted towards individuals that do not sleep under a LLIN. Without Universal Coverage only a percentage of the population are protected and it will not be possible to eliminate the disease from the region. Free Universal Coverage of LLINs is part of the WHO/GMP (Global Malaria Programme) resolution for the eradication of malaria burden and the region of Kedougou represents an important Senegalese target for malaria prevention programmes.
The distribution adopted an innovative methodology: a census was conducted that allowed the team to be informed in advance on the required number of LLINs needed for each village. Before distributing the nets, a couserie took place for the dual purpose of showing villagers how to correctly use the nets and inform them on the symptoms of malaria, as well as on the importance of seeking early medication treatment in case of contraction. A fundamental part of the prevention programme was a demonstration of how to prepare Neem Lotion, a natural mosquito repellent that is made by locally available ingredients.
Every year the distribution will be repeated in order to assure that the Universal Coverage is fully accomplished. The next stage is a study on the impact that LLINs have on malaria rates in the region, which will start after the next rainy season.
Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Brown and Saraya's radio director Moussa Danfakha show villagers the use of a mosquito net, Saraya.
Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Brown cuts up the soap for the Neem Lotion, Saraya
The chef du quartier tries the lotion on himself, Saraya
Steps of the distribution
Posted by Annarita
