Ten facts about mosquito nets you didn't know

Distribution of mosquito nets is a simple yet very effective way of saving lives

Helene Sandbu Ryeng
A child sitting under a mosquito net
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin
05 November 2020

Distribution of mosquito nets is one of UNICEF's basic health and nutrition interventions in South Sudan. It is an affordable, yet very effective way of protecting children against malaria, a potentially deadly disease.

A boat filled with mosquito nets on the river Nile
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin UNICEF-supplied mosquito nets are transported by boat down the Nile from Malakal for distribution in Bienythiang in Akoka county, Upper Nile state, South Sudan.

1. Malaria is one of the main causes of child morbidity in South Sudan. Around 75 per cent of all child deaths in South Sudan are due to preventable diseases, such as diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia.

Men carrying mosquito nets from the boat
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin UNICEF-supplied mosquito nets are offloaded off boats in Bienythiang in Akoka county - approximately one hour boat ride from Malakal. The man in the blue UNICEF cap assisting is UNICEF Health Officer, Chandi Wani Saviour Sagu.  According to Chandi, “the distribution of mosquito nets is vital because malaria is the leading cause of under five morbidity and mortality in South Sudan.  Without this distribution today, the community here would have no means of getting hold of mosquito nets so you could say our work today is lifesaving”.

2. Globally, a child dies of malaria every two minutes

Men carrying mosquito nets packages on their shoulders
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin UNICEF-supplied mosquito nets are carried to a holding site in Bienythiang in Akoka county. One thousand mosquito nets were distributed in Bienythiang. Whilst the exact numbers are disputed, Bienythiang - approximately one hour boat ride from Malakal - currently hosts many IDPs following severe flooding in nearby areas in July and August 2020 which destroyed crops and left houses inundated with water.

3. Malaria is one of the main reasons children get malnourished in South Sudan. Children are losing their appetite and are heavily affected by vomiting and diarrhoea which comes with malaria.

A UNICEF worker is handing out mosquito nets
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin UNICEF Health Officer, Chandi Wani Saviour Sagu, distributes UNICEF-supplied mosquito nets in Bienythiang in Akoka county.

4. A long-lasting insecticide treated net lasts for 3-4 years.

Women walking with mosquito nets in their hands
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin Women carry UNICEF-supplied mosquito nets in Bienythiang in Akoka county.

5. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) is the most common and most effective way to prevent malaria infection.

A mother leaning over her child sleeping under a mosquito net
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin Nyayoung Orou tends to her neighbour's baby, 3 month old Nyasibet, under a UNICEF-supplied mosquito net in Bienythiang in Akoka county.

6. Malaria preys upon the vulnerable: children under five years of age, the poorest and most marginalized, pregnant women and their unborn children. Malaria in pregnancy contributes significantly to deaths of mothers and young children.

A mother sitting under a mosquito net with her child
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin 21 year old Nyan Dom Ayiik sits under a UNICEF-supplied mosquito net with her 7 month old daughter, Aker, in Bienythiang in Akoka county. According to Nyan, "Aker recently got really sick with malaria so I'm so grateful for this mosquito net.  It's fun for her too as she sometimes plays with the net and likes looking through all the holes!".

7. Floods and stagnant water increases the number of malaria cases as water is the breathing ground for mosquitos. South Sudan has experienced heavy flooding in 2020. Upper Nile is one of the hardest hit areas. 

Two children sitting under a mosquito net laughing
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin 8 year old Ahsan Chol (on left) and 6 year old Nyayiik Monychok (on right) sit under a UNICEF-supplied mosquito net in Bienythiang in Akoka county. According to Ahsan, "We often like to sit under our nets at home together.  We chat under it - and it protects us from malaria!"

8. A mosquito net costs around 2 dollars, less than a cup of coffee many places in the world

A mother with her sleeping baby on the arm looking at the mosquito net she just received.
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin A woman carrying her baby has just received a mosquito net in Bienythiang in Akoka county.

9. In 2019, UNICEF South Sudan distributed 46,732 mosquito nets. In 2020, we are aiming for 340,000 nets distributed.

Children sitting in front of a mosquito net
UNICEFSouthSudan/Naftalin Friends sit by a UNICEF-supplied mosquito net in Bienythiang in Akoka county.

10. UNICEF has partnered with the World Bank to provide essential health services and supplies, including mosquito nets, in Upper Nile and Jonglei. Many thanks to UK Aid who are also supporting these efforts.