Insecticide Treated Materials

This Cochrane Review by Polec and colleagues focuses on new approaches for the use of ITNs in malaria prevention by presenting strategies to increase their ownership and use. The analysis focuses on three major topics. First, the influence of the cost of an ITN on ownership is explored and concludes that there is moderate evidence that providing free ITNs increases ownership compared to subsidized or at cost nets. Second, the impact of cost on the use of ITNs is assessed, concluding that there is “probably little or no difference in the use of ITNs” based on free vs. subsidized vs. at cost ITNs. Finally, the effect of “educational interventions” on ITN use shows some moderate evidence that these may indeed increase their use. These findings do not present any new knowledge but confirm – with the authority of a Cochrane Review – what has been the basis of most countries and program’s approach to malaria prevention with ITNs.