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JCI Bed Net Campaign

Introduction
In Sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the largest single cause of death among children under the age of five, killing one child every 30 seconds, more than 800,000 per year.

Malaria has been brought under control and even eliminated in many parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Yet in Africa, malaria infections have actually increased over the last three decades. Malaria accounts for 40 per cent of public health expenditures.

Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are a form of personal protection that has repeatedly been shown to reduce severe disease and mortality due to malaria in endemic regions. Indeed studies show that use of insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce transmission as much as 90% in areas with high coverage rates.

To maintain the efficacy of ITNs, the nets must be retreated at intervals of 6-12 months, more frequently if the nets are washed. Re-treatment is done by simply dipping nets in a mixture of water and insecticide and allowing the nets to dry in a shady place. Kits for retreating nets are available in most countries.

The need for frequent re-treatments is one of the most difficult barriers to full implementation of ITNs in endemic countries. The additional cost of the insecticide and the lack of understanding of its importance result in very low re-treatment rates in most African countries. Several companies have developed long-lasting ITNs that theoretically retain lethal concentrations of insecticide for the life of the net (3-5 years).

In this context, based on the 2004 JCI Resolution to Advance the UN MDGs, JCI wants to contribute to diminish the mortality rate of children under the age of five by mobilizing its organizations in 115 countries to raise funds to purchase and distribute ITNs, as well as to conduct educational campaigns to teach families how to use the ITNs correctly.

Background
In 2003, JCI adopted the resolution to support the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In 2004, JCI in Africa and the Middle East decided to focus on projects and activities related to MDGs 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger) and 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases).

In 2008, based on MDG 6, JCI is launching the “Bed Nets Campaign” worldwide.

Objectives
There are three objectives:

a) Raise money in order to purchase insecticide-treated bed nets to be distributed - in partnership with the UN Foundation/Partners - to children under the age of five living in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

The entire process of purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to children under the age of five, as well as providing education and follow-up surveying on their use, is accomplished at the cost of just $10 per bed net. The cost of $10.00 is to:

Purchase the insecticidal nets (according to Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Company, which is one of the companies that is accredited by the World Health Organization as a seller of good insecticide-treated nets, the cost of an insecticidal net is approximately $5.00);

Purchase the insecticidal nets (according to Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Company, which is one of the companies that is accredited by the World Health Organization as a seller of good insecticide-treated nets, the cost of an insecticidal net is approximately $5.00);

Transport them to Africa;
Distribute them to families; and,
Educate children and their families on the correct use of the insecticidal nets.

As per the United Nations Foundation, “[…] one bed net costs just $10 to buy and deliver to individuals in need. One bed net can safely last a family for about four years, thanks to a long-lasting insecticide woven into the net fabric” (http://www.nothingbutnets.net/nets-save-lives).

b) Educate children and their communities on the use of the bed nets.

c) Provide an opportunity to JCI members to get involved on fighting against malaria in their communities.

Target
Purchase of 1,000,000 insecticide-treated bed nets by 2015.

Logistics
Once JCI has funds to purchase the number of bed nets needed by the targeted country (at least 100,000 bed nets) the United Nations Foundation (UNF) Nothing But Nets Campaign and JCI Bed Net Campaign will work with their partners to purchase bed nets and distribute them in countries and communities in greatest need.

JCI and its National and Local Organizations will raise funds, promote the Campaign and increase public awareness. The UN Foundation and Partners will purchase, transport, and distribute bed nets and will educate the public. JCI Local Organizations will also be involved in distributing bed nets and educating the public.

Accountability
The JCI World Headquarters will provide updates of the Campaign, status of funds raised, and opportunities for additional contributions at JCI events through JCI website.

How can I participate?
a) Buy a bed net now ($10.00)

Donate now. Your bed nets will be added to our next delivery to Africa. Go to www.jci.cc and click on the bedkit icon on the upper right corner of the page.

Note: all donations will be used exclusively to purchase, transport, and distribute bed nets in Africa as well as educate children and communities.

b) Start fundraising as an individual or team (to be launched with the UNF)

Sign up as a individual fundraiser recruiting your friends, family and co-workers to help support you in raising money for bed nets to prevent malaria in Africa.

Sign up as a team captain. Become a team captain, then invite people to join your team. Each team member asks friends, family, co-workers, or sponsors to support your fundraising.

c) Become a team member (to be launched with the UNF)

Sign up as a team member of an established team. Find a net fundraiser (netraiser) team by searching for a team captain or team name. Sign up and start fundraising.

d) Bring Bed Nets Campaign to your Community

JCI Bed Nets Campaign is powered by you, passionate people and communities. Everyone has the power to help save lives, and this toolkit offers resources to get you started. Thank you for getting involved and for sending nets to save lives.