Insecticide-treated net distribution campaign and evaluation in Nigeria
Insecticide-treated net distribution campaign and evaluation in Nigeria
Malaria Consortium is implementing mass insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution campaigns across the four states and generating high-quality longitudinal evidence on ITN access, use and attrition (the decline in the number of functional nets in a household over time). The programme aims to strengthen data-driven decision-making, improve population-level protection and contribute to sustainable reductions in the malaria burden across Nigeria.
Malaria Consortium, in collaboration with national and state-level stakeholders, is distributing over 16 million pyrethroid–chlorfenapyr nets using a single-phase door-to-door approach, covering an estimated population of more than 27 million people in Abia, Borno, FCT and Kogi. The dual-insecticide nets have been chosen to address widespread pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors.
The project is designed to ensure equitable access to ITNs while strengthening monitoring and evaluation to inform future malaria intervention designs.
Objectives
Implement high-quality single-phase door-to-door mass distribution campaigns using digital tools to ensure universal coverage of ITNs across the four target states.
Design and implement a rigorous longitudinal study including six household surveys to collect data on ITN access, use, attrition, physical durability and influencing factors across the target states over three years after the campaigns.
Generate and disseminate evidence from the surveys to inform adaptive, evidence-based malaria control strategies at state and national levels.
Anticipated outcomes and impact
A reduction in malaria cases through equitable access to ITNs. Campaign digitalisation will help to ensure equitable and accountable net distribution, with near real-time data analysis allowing campaign supervisors to identify and address problems rapidly.
Strengthened evidence-based programming. By gathering reliable data on household ownership, access and use of ITNs over time, this project will inform future evidence-based malaria control decisions.
Background
Despite sustained investments in malaria control interventions in Nigeria, gaps in access to preventive tools, especially insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), persist across several states.
In alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 and Nigeria’s malaria control priorities, targeted interventions are required to address gaps in ITN coverage and use.[1] Abia, Borno, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kogi have not had ITN campaigns for several years. As these states present varying malaria transmission dynamics and documented ITN coverage gaps, they need tailored and large-scale interventions.[2]
Malaria Consortium is implementing a two-pronged programme to conduct mass ITN distribution campaigns across the four states and generate high-quality longitudinal evidence on ITN access, use and attrition (the decline in the number of functional nets in a household over time). Combining large-scale delivery with rigorous longitudinal household surveys, the programme aims to strengthen data-driven decision-making, improve population-level protection and contribute to sustainable reductions in the malaria burden across Nigeria.
The campaign will be digitalised, informed by the successful digitalisation of net distribution in Ondo state, where digital tools were introduced in 2017 and scaled up during the 2021 campaign to support monitoring, household data collection and tracking of nets.[3]
Activities
ITN distribution
Malaria Consortium will procure over 16 million ITNs, conduct microplanning, coordinate logistics and mobilise communities to ensure efficient and equitable distribution.
Trained health workers and campaign personnel will distribute ITNs using a single-phase, door-to-door approach, using mobile devices and a digital health platform for tracking net transfer between distribution hubs and households, household registration and distribution monitoring.
Campaign evaluation
The project team will design and implement six rounds of longitudinal household surveys: a baseline survey, post-campaign verification and evaluation surveys, then annual surveys at years one, two and three after the campaigns in each state. The surveys will collect household-level data on ITN coverage, ownership, access, attrition, use, physical durability and influencing factors, ensuring quality assurance and data management.
Analysis of longitudinal data will identify trends in ITN access and use over time. Findings will be fed into programme review processes to support adaptive management and will be disseminated via reports, publications and stakeholder engagements.
Khan J, Mubiru D, Chestnutt EG, Cook L, Riiny LL, Okot F, et al. Usability of a digital tool to support long-lasting insecticide net distribution in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan. Malaria Journal, 2024; 23: 318.
Malaria Consortium is implementing mass insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution campaigns across the four states and generating high-quality longitudinal evidence on ITN access, use and attrition (the decline in the number of functional nets in a household over time).
Start date
01/05/2026
End date
31/12/2029
Country/ Countries
Africa >
Nigeria
Funder
Open Philanthropy based on GiveWell’s recommendation
Partners
Community-based organisations; National Malaria Elimination Programme; State Ministries of Health (Abia, Borno, Federal Capital Territory, Kogi); State Primary Health Care Development Agencies
