Quality control of long-lasting insecticidal nets: are we neglecting it?

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Karl, Stephan;Katusele, Michelle;Freeman, Timothy W.;Moore, Sarah J.
Abstract

Over 2.2 billion long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for malaria control have been delivered to recipient countries. LLINs are the largest single item in the global malaria control budget. To be eligible for donor-funded procurement and distribution schemes, LLIN products must attain and retain World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification status by passing safety, quality, and efficacy benchmarks. Predelivery inspections further test product quality before distribution. We have shown that, despite these quality-assurance measures, substandard LLINs were distributed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for at least 6 years (2013–2019). Other countries may have received similar LLINs. Here, we discuss the most important weaknesses of the current LLIN quality-assurance framework that have made this possible.

Journal

Trends in Parasitology

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Volume

37

ISBN/ISSN

1471-5007

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Issue

7

Pages Count

12

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Publisher

Elsevier

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Publisher Location

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Date

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1016/j.pt.2021.03.004