NETWORKS MALARIA - Key Persons

After net distributions, community volunteers often visit households to assist those who have difficulty hanging nets. NetWorks conducted a cluster-randomized control trial to determine the effect of these "hang-up visits" in increasing the hanging and use of LLINs. The study will provide important information for the Uganda National Malaria Control Program and the global malaria community on the additional value of hang-up visits. In Kamuli District, which benefited from the Global Fund targeted distribution of LLINs to children under five and pregnant women, households who received two or one hang-up visits were compared to households who received none. Preliminary results found that net use and hanging increased over time in all study arms, including among households who did not receive any hang-up visits. No statistically significant difference was found between the arms. It is theorized that individual and social norms around net use and hanging, also known as "net culture," may influence the effectiveness and necessity of hang-up visits. The study is expected to be published in early 2014.