AFRO-NETS> My $1.00 X-mas gift to the RBM (Roll Back Malaria Programme)

[Jacques du Preez <amsharp@mweb.co.za>]

My $1.00 X-mas gift to the RBM (Roll Back Malaria Programme)
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Let us find some common ground on the $1.00 bednet in this festive 
season. Are you ignoring practical issues, so that you can study Ma-
laria a while longer, or has such layman's perspective no relevance? 
What about the poorest citizens of Africa? Check yourself - you might 
be in a comfort zone, inhibiting your own brilliance and practical 
contributions so desperately needed to combat the world's biggest 
killer.

Recently I posted a question to all "malaria specialists" and malaria 
campaigners on the issue of a $1.00 bednet. "Does the world need a 
$1.00 bednet?" Of those who responded 17.5% said NO, 40% said YES, 
42.5% YES with specific requirements. It is now unmistakably the 
world's best low cost / disposable bednet. In spite of many recommen-
dations it is a workable product - for the first time Airlines / 
Travel Clinics will be in a position to issue a bednet with a ticket 
purchased to a Malaria destination. We hope that they will utilize 
this new found technology. 

What have we learned: $1.00 bednet? Treatment with insecticide is 
better if sprayed on.

Minimum 1 season life expectancy obtainable.

For indoor use.

Conical shaped bednets fine for individuals.

Heat reduced with larger net size and introduction of cubenet. 
Cubenet: (rectangular)

Very large standard size (2m x 1,9m x 1,8m) more comfort.

Introduction of conventional netting for roof gives better airflow 
and reduce fire hazard.

The use of coloured textile to hide dirt.

Better roof attachment system now only uses two strings to hang net. 
In light of above I present my reasons for producing the world's 
first $1.00 bednet. My hope is that it will inspire more new creative 
ideas.

It is my small donation / Xmas gift to the RBM program for 1998. Do 
you have a gift for 1998? - Another 2 million people died? 1999 Open 
Tender? - Low cost protection for 500 million Malaria victims re-
quired.

Healthy blessings,

Jacques du Preez
mailto:amsharp@mweb.co.za



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