Rome (Fides Service) – A new Japanese product which can save millions of lives has just be taken to Africa by UNICEF, World Health Organisation, ACUMEN Foundation and other private organisations. The product could save the lives of the millions who die of Malaria every year. 90% of the deaths caused by malaria are registered in Africa.
The Long lasting insecticidal net is a new powerful product against malaria a disease which kills 3,000 children every day and more than one million people every year, mostly children under 5. This new Long lasting insecticidal net can protect children from one to four years. Normally the effect of anti-mosquito-treated nets lasts for a year after which they have to be re-treated and this is expensive. These new Long lasting insecticidal nets are effective for up to four years because the insecticide is part of the net fabric.
According to the General Director of the World Health Organisation Dr Lee Jong-wook “ Long lasting insecticidal nets keep away malaria carrying insects acting as a mortal trap for the mosquitoes. If properly used they can reduce the percentage of malaria cases by at least 50% and infant deaths by 20%”. To help the diffusion, the Global Fund for Fighting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is distributing funds to help purchase the Long lasting insecticidal nets in many African countries. AP (Fides Service 26/9/2003 EM lines 23 Words: 258)