AMREF Donates 300 ITNs To Help Prevent Spread of Malaria Among Pregnant Women in Uganda
AMREF recently donated 300 insecticide-treated nets to the Tiriri health center in Uganda in an effort to reduce the number of malaria cases among pregnant women, the Guardian reports."These nets are going to be very helpful," Sam Agom, Tiriri's clinical officer, said, adding, "I am hopeful that we shall see fewer cases of malaria, but also that the babies will be born healthy." According to Agom, the provision of no-cost ITNs also might encourage pregnant women to attend the clinic if they are not already doing so.
Although ITNs are an important tool in the fight against malaria, they are used minimally in Uganda, especially in rural areas, because each ITN costs about $5, the Guardian reports. In addition, cultural misunderstandings often pose a barrier to widespread use. However, AMREF believes that increased education can address some of these issues. AMREF staff are educating health workers and others about the importance of using ITNs.
The article about ITNs is part of a Guardian series on a three-year AMREF health project in Katine, Uganda (Kavuma, Guardian, 6/11). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
