Children aged < 5 years sleeping under insecticide-treated bednets (percentage)
Rationale for use
In areas of intense malaria transmission, malaria-related morbidity and mortality are concentrated in young children, and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) by children under 5 has been demonstrated to considerably reduce malaria disease incidence, malaria-related anaemia and all cause under 5 mortality. Vector control through the use of ITNs constitute one of the four intervention strategies of the Roll Back Malaria Initiative. It is also listed as an MDG indicator.
Definition
Percentage of children under five years of age in malaria endemic areas who slept under an ITN the previous night, ITN being defined as a mosquito net that has been treated within 12 months or is a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN).
Associated terms
Malaria-risk areas include areas of stable malaria transmission (allowing the development of some level of immunity) and areas of unstable malaria transmission (seasonal and less predictable transmission impeding the development of effective immunity).
Data sources
Household surveys such as Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS), and 'rider' questions on other representative population-based surveys , that include questions on whether children under five years of age slept under an ITN the previous night.
Methods of estimation
Empirical data only.
Disaggregation
By age, location (urban/rural, major regions/provinces), and socio-economic characteristics (e.g. education level, wealth quintile)
References
- WHO/Roll Back Malaria site
-
The Africa Malaria Report 2003
The Africa Malaria Report 2003. Geneva, New York, World Health Organization and United Nations Children Fund, 2004. -
World Malaria Report 2005
World Malaria Report 2005. Geneva, New York, World Health Organization and United Nations Children Fund, 2005.
Database
Comments
The accuracy of reporting in household surveys may vary. Also, seasonal influences related to fluctuations in vector and parasite prevalence may affect level of coverage depending on timing of the data collection.