Abstract
BackgroundIn Tanzania, the distribution and coverage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is inequitable. Arguments about the most effective and equitable approach to distributing ITNs centre around whether to provide ITNs free of charge or continue with existing social marketing strategies. The Government has decided to provide free ITNs to all children under five in the country. It is still uncertain whether this strategy will achieve equitable coverage and use. This study examined the equity implications of ownership and use of ITNs in households from different socioeconomic quintiles in a district with free ITNs and a district without free ITN distribution.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative household survey was conducted in two districts: Mpanda in Rukwa Region (with free ITN roll out) and Kisarawe in Coast region (without free ITNs). Heads of 314 households were interviewed in Mpanda and Kisarawe. The concentration index was estimated and regression analysis was performed to compare socioeconomic inequalities in ownership and use of ITNs.ResultsOwnership of ITNs increased from 29% in the 2007/08 national survey to 90% after the roll out of free ITNs in Mpanda, and use increased from 13% to 77%. Inequality was considerably lower in Mpanda, with nearly perfect equality in use (concentration index 0.009) and ownership (concentration index 0.010). In Kisarawe, ownership of ITNs increased from 48% in the 2007/08 national survey to 53%, with a marked inequality concentration index 0.132. ITN use in Kisarawe district was 42% with a pro rich concentration index of 0.027.ConclusionsThe results shed some light on the possibilities of reducing inequality in ownership and use of ITNs and attaining Roll Back Malaria and Millennium Development Goals through the provision of free ITNs to all. This has the potential to decrease the burden of disease and reduce disparity in disease outcome.
Highlights
In Tanzania, the distribution and coverage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is inequitable
This paper presents a comparison of the socioeconomic inequity in ownership and use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in an area where they are provided free of charge compared to an area where they are purchased, in Tanzania
The findings of this study indicate that in the areas studied, where ITNs are commercially or socially marketed, there is a low level of ITN ownership and use
Summary
In Tanzania, the distribution and coverage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is inequitable. The Government has decided to provide free ITNs to all children under five in the country. It is still uncertain whether this strategy will achieve equitable coverage and use. This study concerns the equity implications of different distribution strategies for insecticide treated mosquito nets in Tanzania, with a particular focus on their coverage and use. Over half of the cases are in Africa south of the Sahara and these cause nearly a million deaths of which over 80% are of children under five years of age [1]. Malaria is a major cause of mortality in children under five years old. Malaria consumes about 3.4% of GDP per year in Tanzania, resources that could have been used to meet other critical public needs [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
