AFRO-NETS> Malaria: Bed Net Taxes Lowered in 10 African Countries

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@mweb.co.zw>]

Malaria: Bed Net Taxes Lowered in 10 African Countries
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Source:
http://www.unfoundation.org/unwire/unwire.cfm

Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia said today for Africa 
Malaria Day that they are eliminating or reducing duties on insecti-
cide-treated mosquito nets, which are considered the most effective 
means of preventing malaria but are too expensive for most Africans 
(Agence France-Presse, 24 Apr). The announcement follows similar ac-
tions by Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia (UNICEF 
release, 25 Apr).

The nets could cut the malaria infection rate in children by as much 
as 63%, according to a study commissioned by Roll Back Malaria, a 
program sponsored by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the UN 
Development Program (AFP).

"Making these effective prevention tools available to all who need 
them is one of the big challenges African governments face in their 
war against malaria," said WHO Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland 
(UNICEF release).

WHO yesterday said more than 1 million Africans, including 700,000 
children, die of malaria every year. Of an annual 300 million malaria 
cases worldwide, 90% occur in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO said the lives 
of 500,000 African children could be saved annually if they used the 
nets (Kyodo News Service, 24 Apr).


French, US Studies Point Out Cost, Awareness Problems

The Paris-based Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement, however, 
yesterday said education is as important as treatment in fighting ma-
laria, a "cultural, social and economic reality" in Africa. The in-
stitute found children are not treated fast enough even where drugs 
are available, parents often fail to take their children to clinics 
and feverish children are sent to traditional healers 30% of the time 
(AFP II, 24 Apr).

The US Academy for Educational Development, in studies funded by the 
US Agency for International Development, says few Africans use the 
nets because of access, cost and awareness problems. The academy per-
formed studies in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia 
(AED release, 24 Apr).

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