Academy for Educational Development

The NetMark project is dedicated to reducing malaria in Africa by building commercial markets for insecticide-treated bed nets. A unique public-private partnership, NetMark has improved both the supply and correct use of insecticide-treated bed-nets (ITNs) in sub-Saharan Africa.









Since 1999, NetMark has joined forces in eight African countries with more than 40 commercial partners-including four of the world’s largest suppliers of ITNs and over 30 African manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors-to ensure that affordable ITNs are available to all socio-economic groups.












Recent surveys in four NetMark countries demonstrated that the number of people protected from malaria by ITNs has risen by an estimated 15 million in the past four years.









NetMark’s public education campaigns also reached more than 100 million people with critical information about the dangers of malaria and how ITNs can save lives. NetMark is a true cross-sector partnership: in addition to the $30 million USAID has invested to date in NetMark, the private sector has contributed $16.8 million.














The project stimulates stronger links between ITN suppliers and distributors, making ITNs accessible to more people and ensuring availability long after the project ends. The number of ITN sellers in Africa has increased from only two in 1999 to 29 in 2005.








By introducing competition in the market, the project has seen a drop in ITN retail prices ranging from $1 to $20. NetMark also contributed to the removal of taxes and tariffs on insecticides and netting materials in Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Zambia, resulting in further reductions in net prices for consumers.









On average in NetMark countries, an ITN can be purchased in 2005 for 75% less than what an untreated net cost in 2001. NetMark supports a streamlined system of subsidizing ITNs to the poor. It has helped establish discount voucher programs in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia that are designed to make use of private sector efficiencies and encourage the growth of local ITN markets.











The project’s worldclass textile engineering partners are also helping African manufacturers improve quality, capacity and introduce long-lasting nets that will provide protection for 3-5 years instead of six months.










African governments have invited NetMark to work in their countries in order to harness the power of the commercial sector to reach citizens effectively, and equitably, and to stretch the impact of public sector resources.