THE UTILIZATION OF MOSQUITO NETS IN THE MAROUA II MUNICIPALITY IN THE DIAMARE DIVISION OF THE FAR NORTH REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract

Purpose

One of the highly recommended strategies to "Roll Back Malaria" was the utilization of treated mosquito nets as personal protective devices to kill or repel mosquitoes. Since the adoption of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as a key preventive tool in 2002, several campaigns of free distribution of ordinary nets and of late, long lasting insecticidal treated nets (LLINs) were conducted all over the country. The aim of this study is to show that there is a lot of misuse of mosquito nets in the Maroua II municipality.

Methodology

This research is based on both direct and indirect sources of information as 25 key informants were randomly selected and interviewed. Primary data is collected through interviews with key informants. Direct observation was also used during which, many photographs illustrating the various uses of mosquito nets were shot. Secondary data was collected from documentations with relevant information pertaining to this study.  The data collection tools used were a question guide, a recorder, dicta phone, a note book, a pen and above all a field aider who assisted most of the time on the field in translating from Fulfude language to French language. Data collected from this study was analyzed by explaining and describing phenomenon with the aid of photos and tables.

Findings

 In Maroua II municipality, mosquito nets have both the universal and necessary functions as it is very hard to regulate or prevent the inappropriate uses in a country where so many people are poor. While some see the treated nets as a lifesaving gift, others see them as a discomfort that provides only partial protection against a trivial illness, this is why many uses of nets have been created which means that these mosquito nets are versatile. 28% use mosquito nets for malaria prevention, 32% for economic activities, 20% for esthetics, 8% for sports and 12% had no use for the nets. 96% of the treated mosquito nets owned in Maroua II were acquired free of charge. The nets are being used for so many other purposes other than the prevention of malaria. 72% of the respondents did not use the nets for the right purpose. Items acquired free of charge are not valued that is why these nets were used for other things rather than preventing malaria.

Recommendations

There is need for intense sensitization on the utilization of mosquito needs in the community. Mosquito nets should not be given free of charge as so many people do not value gifts. All those who use mosquito nets for other activities rather than to prevent malaria should be severely punished.