Mosquito Nets

Hello again,

In an earlier blog, we talked about the involvement of our group with the Rotary REMIT programme.  REMIT stands for Rotary Eradication of Malaria in Tanzania.

During the first visit of the group to Ukerewe, two Tanzanian Rotarians arrived on the ferry,from the mainland, with their van piled high with insecticide treated mosquito nets, and some of the team went out with them to the villages.

The van was fitted with loud speakers to attract the local population and put across the message regarding the eradication of Malaria and the importance of protecting children from being bitten by mosquitoes.  These nets were sold for the equivalent of £1.00 each, but cost Rotary substantially more.  Whilst the group were on the island, 3500 nets were distributed. 

Mosquitoes carry the parasite that causes malaria.  The warning signs include fever, shivering, vomiting and other flu like symptoms.  Even if the child survives, there is the possibility that he/she will be left with crippling disabilities and/or mental impairment.

World wide, twenty-five thousand children under the age of five, die each day due to preventable causes.  The vast majority of these are in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, and malaria is one of the biggest causes of death to young children, in these countries.

The nets are large enough, if necessary, to cover a few children sleeping together, and prevents them being bitten in the night.

Until the next time,

Best wishes,

Diane and Derek