Assignment Report: Social Marketing of Insecticide Treated Bednets (ITNs) in Kenya: Project Completion Review

Abstract

In 2001, DFID made an accountable grant to Population Services International-Kenya, to begin the social marketing of untreated mosquito nets (Supanet) bundled with a liquid insecticide treatment (KO-Tab). Since then, the programme has had five further DFID grants.

The impact of these efforts on malaria in Kenya has been dramatic. Malaria admissions to hospitals in sentinel districts halved between 1999 and 2006, while under-5 mortality has fallen by 44%. Experts agree that most of this impact can be attributed to nets (most of which have been funded by DFID), complemented by the government's US-backed indoor residual spraying campaign. The project has thus achieved its goal to 'Reduce malaria related morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations'. This is one of DFID's most successful health programmes, thanks to Population Services International's tight management and efficient distribution, as well as to its skills in communication.

Citation

Mackay, B. Assignment Report: Social Marketing of Insecticide Treated Bednets (ITNs) in Kenya: Project Completion Review. Human Development Resource Centre, UK (2012) 38 pp.

Assignment Report: Social Marketing of Insecticide Treated Bednets (ITNs) in Kenya: Project Completion Review

Published 1 January 2012