Building a Net Culture in Kenya

This report documents PSI's malaria prevention project in Kenya which began in 2002 with the promotion and distribution of pre-packaged malaria therapy (PPT). In an attempt to reach the malaria coverage target established by the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) plan, agreed upon by African leaders in 2000 in Nigeria, PSI developed the “Coverage Plus” model to achieve the RBM coverage target of 60% insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITN) protection of pregnant women and children under five by 2005. This report presents the strategies of the Coverage Plus model in Kenya, namely:

• Targeted subsidy: PSI sells ITNs at various prices to ensure distribution efficiency and subsidises ITNs for pregnant women and children under five through the public sector and NGO channels.
• Partnerships: PSI collaborates with ministries of health, national malaria control programs, NGOs and commercial companies, to ensure effective coordination and maximise distribution opportunities.
• Creating demand and promoting health: PSI’s branded advertising campaigns are designed to increase awareness of malaria risks which are delivered through mass media outlets.

The report states that PSI has trained staff from 1700 health facilities in November 2004, and PSI/Kenya is now delivering 150,000-200,000 ITNs per month at highly subsidised rates through rural retail outlets. In addition, PSI has initiated awareness-building and behavioural change workshops in Kenya at antenatal clinics, community women’s groups meetings and market places to reach rural women. The report concludes that PSI will continue to work with the private sector, governments and NGOs to achieve the RBM goal of halving the burden of malaria by 2010.

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