More children sleeping under nets

By ELIZABETH MIAE
THE number of children sleeping under treated mosquito nets has increased, according to a survey by authorities.
The increase has been attributed to awareness and behaviour change strategies implemented by the Population Services International PNG and Rotary Against Malaria.
They reported significant results between 2008 and 2011.
According to a summary report on the impact outcome indicators for the national malaria control programme in the 2008-09 evaluation, 40% of children under five slept under treated mosquito nets.
The report said the percentage increased with a further 50% of the target population (children under five) using the mosquito net in the 2010-11 evaluation.
“This coverage varies significantly between regions – Southern (75.7%), Highlands (52.6%), Mamose (57.2%) and New Guinea Islands (48.2%),” the report said.
Early this year, Rotary Against Malaria distributed 136,000 treated mosquito nets to Port Moresby residents.
It was part of a nationwide distribution which had been ongoing since 2005.
“In this programme, all districts receive nets every three years. RAM with the health service (government and church based) distributed 2.7 million nets to households in 18 provinces,” project coordinator Tim Freeman said.
“The only provinces not yet covered are Southern Highlands and Enga which will be covered in the next 12 months.”
Freeman said New Guinea Islands and Southern would be covered this year with Highlands and Mamose next year.