Clark S, Berrang-Ford L, Lwasa S, Namanya D, Twesigomwe S, IHACC Research Team, et al. (2016) A Longitudinal Analysis of Mosquito Net Ownership and Use in an Indigenous Batwa Population after a Targeted Distribution. PLoS ONE 11(5): e0154808. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154808

A new IHACC article on mosquito net retention among Batwa was recently published in PLoS ONE. Using a longitudinal approach, Clark et al. 2016 explored the rate of mosquito net retention after an IHACC targeted distribution event among 10 Batwa communities in Kanungu District southwestern Uganda. The results indicate that net non-ownership was high among the Batwa, particularly within the first 3-months following the distribution. Mass targeted distribution campaigns aim to reduce inequities in mosquito net ownership among different socio-economic groups. However, our data showed that amongst the Batwa, household socio-economic status determined retention of nets after the distribution and inequities in ownership increased over-time, disadvantaging the poorest households. This research implies that retention of freely distributed LLINs, particularly for impoverished populations, may remain subject to patterning by socioeconomic gradients. More effective longitudinal monitoring and evaluation programs are needed to assess the long-term impact of free LLIN distributions, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

Professor Berrang Ford has moved to Leeds University in England. She is now working as the Chair in Climate and Health at the Priestly International Centre for Climate. In this position she will work to better understand how we can adjust existing health and social systems to be more climate-resilient.

That means understanding how health and social systems interact with climate and weather. We know surprisingly little about those interactions. That will be one of my key areas of focus at Leeds. - Lea
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Read more about the new appointment here.