Net distribution begins in Zambia

The wide-scale household distribution of bed nets has begun in Zambia.

This is being undertaken by World Vision in a bid to fight malaria in the region.

Craig Jaggers, policy advisor for health at World Vision, commented that this is an "encouraging start".

However, he added that in order to prevent deaths from the disease, his organisation must ensure that its efforts are being implemented in the best way possible.

Mr Jaggers explained: "We know that delivering bed nets at the household level, with follow-up by trained caregivers, raises the likelihood they'll be used well and save lives."

He said that nets distributed from a central location are more likely to be misused than those handed out by care workers individually.

Mr Jaggers gave the example of a health worker informing a woman concerned about bed bugs that the problem was actually mosquitoes which could have been harmful to her children.

Earlier this week, Radio New Zealand reported that the number of cases of malaria in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu has fallen.

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