Delivering protection through disruption
How uninterrupted mosquito net supply helped sustain malaria prevention at the height of the COVID-19 crisis
24 November 2022
Category:
Innovations in disease controlMaintaining a reliable mosquito net supply during a global crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economies, strained health systems, and altered global supply chains overnight. But while much of the world paused, the threat of malaria did not. For communities across sub-Saharan Africa, long-lasting insecticidal nets remained essential to protecting lives—especially as routine health services became harder to access.
Despite lockdowns, border closures and unprecedented logistical challenges, mosquito net production continued and supply was maintained without disruption. This was possible thanks to the dedication of our teams, strong partnerships, and coordinated logistics. While many manufacturers faced delays or halted operations, we were able to manufacture and supply millions of nets, even as international shipping routes fluctuated and movement restrictions shifted week to week.
Delivery despite global disruption
Coordinating supply across continents quickly became more demanding as the pandemic disrupted logistics, mobility and procurement systems worldwide. Yet governments, campaign organisers and frontline workers across malaria-endemic countries adapted swiftly, showing remarkable leadership and flexibility. Regional warehousing, efficient international shipping and agile planning helped ensure nets still reached where they were needed, without delay.
In Benin, a nationwide door-to-door campaign succeeded in reaching households despite pandemic-related delays. Authorities adjusted their timelines, while distribution teams implemented new safety measures to minimise contact and protect communities. The effort required coordination between government actors, implementing partners, and health workers—whose role remained essential to reaching households safely and effectively. Nets arrived when needed, helping to sustain the country’s momentum in the fight against malaria.
In Uganda, health workers continued community-level distribution and education despite challenging conditions. Their role on the ground reinforced a broader truth: while supply chains are critical, delivery depends on health workers and others closest to the communities being served.
Why mosquito net supply mattered so much during COVID-19
During the height of the pandemic, malaria posed an even greater threat. Delays in prevention campaigns risked a resurgence of cases, especially as malaria and COVID-19 share early symptoms such as fever and fatigue, which complicated diagnosis and placed additional strain on already stretched health systems, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Ensuring mosquito nets remained available was not just a logistical feat, it was a frontline defence in a layered public health emergency.
Maintaining uninterrupted mosquito net production during this period was not the norm, and its impact was significant. It ensured that prevention campaigns could move forward in countries that were ready, and protected millions who might otherwise have been left waiting.
Lessons from this period have informed ongoing efforts to build more resilient, responsive systems. It underscored the importance of diversifying manufacturing, strengthening partnerships, and embedding flexibility into planning. It also reinforced the need for sustained investment in prevention, even when global attention is elsewhere.
Looking ahead
The pandemic tested global health infrastructure in ways few could have anticipated. But it also demonstrated what is possible when shared goals align. The uninterrupted supply of mosquito nets during COVID-19 is a testament to collaborative planning, resilient partnerships, and a commitment to protecting lives.
As we look to the future, the priority remains clear: ensuring that essential tools like mosquito nets continue reaching the communities that need them most—no matter the challenge.