Do net recipients use the nets more if they receive them for free or at cost (no profit)? Also, are nets more effective in urban or rural areas depending on population pattern?
In 2007 the World Health Organization put out a position statement on the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (http://apps.who.int/malaria/docs/itn/ITNspospaperfinal.pdf). In it, the WHO ascertains that in order to make strides in the control and, ultimately, elimination of malaria, rapid scale up is needed. This can be achieved most efficiently through the distribution of free bed nets. Specifically, “long-lasting insecticide-treated nets should be considered a public good for populations living in malaria-endemic areas. Distribution of nets should be systematically accompanied by provision of information on how to hang, use and maintain them properly.” As such, the majority of nets being distributed are free in an effort to make big gains in the fight against malaria. Nets are most effective in any community where they are used properly and at high rates. Studies show that the use of insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce transmission as much as 90% in areas with high coverage
