30 July 2024, Lausanne. We are excited to announce the launch of Project Networks, an innovative partnership aimed at gathering baseline data on how people use and stop using bed nets. The project emphasises the end-of-life management of bed nets, encompassing their disposal, repurposing, and recycling. This shift aims to transition from unsustainable practices to more sustainable approaches, driving impactful initiatives in environmental sustainability, guided by the research findings.

Project Networks includes a comprehensive research project in Nigeria and Rwanda designed to understand the entire lifecycle of bed nets, from initial usage to final disposal. By collecting and analysing data on how bed nets are used, why they are discontinued, and how they are currently managed at the end of their life, the project aims to identify key areas for improvement and innovation.

The success of Project Networks is underpinned by robust collaboration and partnership. The data generation is being conducted by IPSOS, a leading research organisation, in collaboration with Impact Santé Afrique, a prominent civil society organisation. This collaborative effort extends to local stakeholders, including national malaria control programmes, ensuring the project is grounded in local needs and realities. Furthermore, the project’s initial phase has benefitted from the valuable contributions of some donors and malaria technical partners, whose inputs are instrumental in laying a solid foundation for the project’s success.

“ISA applauds the creation of Project Networks to address the critical issue of bed net use and lifecycle management by emphasising sustainable practices for disposal, reuse and recycling,” said Olivia Ngou Executive Director Impact Santé Afrique. “This project will significantly benefit African communities by promoting sustainable practices and community-driven solutions. Through active community engagement and support, bed nets will be effectively used and responsibly reused or recycled, improving malaria prevention and environmental sustainability and raising community health standards across Africa.”

“Project Networks represents a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard. “By understanding the complete lifecycle of bed nets, we can develop more effective strategies for their disposal and repurposing, ultimately reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.”

We invite stakeholders, partners, and the community to join us in this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability and improve the management of bed nets worldwide.

For more information about Project Networks and how to get involved, please contact ps@vestergaard.com  or ank-contracted@vestergaard.com.

Vestergaard is a global leader in public health innovation and is proud to support Project Networks in its mission to promote sustainable bed net management and environmental stewardship. Known for their PermaNet® long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to prevent malaria, the company has manufactured 1 billion PermaNet to protect communities in malaria-endemic countries. Founded in 1957, the company is headquartered in Switzerland, with a research and development lab in Africa and a quality control and manufacturing lab in Vietnam. Our key partnerships and ground-breaking tools have allowed us to support global health efforts to eradicate sleeping sickness and Guinea-worm disease, and we continue to look for innovative and sustainable ways to have a positive impact on the world’s most vulnerable people.

Impact Santé Afrique (ISA) is an African NGO led and coordinated by young women, specialising in advocacy and strategic communication to improve the health of vulnerable populations. ISA’s initiatives include organising trainings and social behaviour change communication to empower communities and raise awareness and engagement.