JCI Dublin - Junior Chamber International Dublin

Malaria & the role of bed nets

Malaria has been brought under control and even eliminated in many parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Yet in Africa, malaria infections have actually increased over the last three decades. Malaria accounts for 40 per cent of public health expenditures.

Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are a form of personal protection that has repeatedly been shown to reduce severe disease and mortality due to malaria in endemic regions. Indeed studies show that use of insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce transmission as much as 90% in areas with high coverage rates.

ITNs can protect the user for about four years as long as the nets are retreated at intervals of 6-12 months. Re-treatment is done by simply dipping the net in a mixture of water and insecticide.

The need for re-treatments is one of the most difficult barriers to full implementation of ITNs in endemic countries. For this reason, a strong education programme, in particular during the distribution phase, is important.

JCI’s contribution to fighting malaria

In 2004 JCI International accepted a Resolution to Advance the UN MDGs.

In February 2008, based on MDG 6 (combating diseases), JCI and United Nations Foundation are launching the ‘JCI Nothing But Nets Campaign’ worldwide. This campaign aims to help diminish the mortality rate of children under the age of five by mobilizing its organizations in 115 countries to raise funds to purchase and distribute ITNs, as well as to conduct educational campaigns to teach families how to use the ITNs correctly.

The International ‘JCI Nothing but Nets campaign’ aims to purchase of 1,000,000 ITNs by 2015. The JCI Dublin chapter will contribute to this goal by undertaking a number of activities to purchase 1000 ITNs in 2008 (a cost of approximately €7000).

‘JCI Nothing But Nets campaign’ objectives

The ‘Nothing But Nets campaign’ has three objectives:

a) Raise money in order to purchase ITNs to be distributed - in partnership with the UN Foundation/Partners - to children under the age of five living in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

b) Educate children and their communities on the use of the bed nets.

c) Provide an opportunity to JCI members worldwide to get involved on fighting against malaria in their communities.

The entire process of purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to children under the age of five, as well as providing education and follow-up surveying on their use, is accomplished at the cost of just €7 per bed net. One bed net can protect a family for up to four years.

How can I participate in Dublin?

a) Buy a bed net now (€7.00)
See below for Paypal option. Alternatively you can contact the Fundraising Director.

b) Start fundraising as an individual or with the JCI Dublin team. Contact the Fundraising Director for more information.

c) Join our team training for the Dublin Marathon on October 27th, 2008 and obtain corporate sponsorship. Contact the Marathon Director for more information.

d) Gather together your friends and enter our table quiz being held Thursday, July 17th at 7:30pm at Break for the Boarder in Dublin 2. Cost is €40 per team of four people.

Contact information

Kristy Clarke
JCI Dublin Nothing But Nets Fundraising Director
kristy.clarke@jcidublin.com

Vincent Rives
JCI Dublin Nothing but Nets Marathon Director
vincent.rives@jcidublin.com

Or email BedNetsCampaign@jcidublin.com

Want to learn more?
Check out the UN’s Nothing But Nets Campaign at www.nothingbutnets.net