Long-lasting insecticidal nets are an effective tool for malaria prevention, and "universal coverage" with such nets is increasingly the goal of national malaria control programmes. However, national level campaigns in several countries have run out of nets in the course of distribution, indicating a problem in the method used to estimate the quantity needed. Drawing on existing household survey data, this paper provides empirical support for an improved algorithm for estimating the number of LLINs needed to achieve universal coverage within a given population and evaluates the various approaches for allocating LLINs to specific households. The authors suggest that their analyses should provide guidance to programme managers to make evidence-based decisions and support a more efficient and effective use of LLIN distribution campaign resources.

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Citation: Kilian et al.: How many mosquito nets are needed to achieve universal coverage? Recommendations for the quantification and allocation of long-lasting insecticidal nets for mass campaigns. Malaria Journal 2010 9:330