A new USAID-funded program is delivering more than 80,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the six districts in Timor-Leste hit hardest by malaria. In these districts, every single family with a child under the age of 5 will have a special mosquito net to reduce the risk of this terrible disease. At the same time, families will learn about the dangers of mosquito-borne disease and the importance of using the nets effectively.

To highlight the program, US Ambassador Grover Joseph Rees joined the President of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and Minister of Health Rui Maria de Araújoa at a special launching ceremony in Baucau on December 1. Each spoke of the importance of mosquito bed nets in reducing the impact of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases on the health of the people of Timor-Leste.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, nearly 200,000 children were infected with malaria in 2004. The annual death toll of confirmed cases of malaria is about 150, but the number of undiagnosed cases is likely much higher. The long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets being distributed have approved by the World Health Organization for their efficacy and safety. Research at the Centers for Disease Control have proven scientifically that such bed nets can significantly reduce the number of malaria deaths in children. These nets are especially effective because they can kill or repel mosquitoes in households for a long time. With the right kind of care, the nets can work for up to 5 years.

As part of this program, local officials, community leaders, and families with young children are learning about the dangers of mosquito bites, the signs of malaria in children, the need to seek treatment promptly, the importance of the nets, and the hanging and washing techniques to use nets effectively. Local elected leaders are helping health staff and volunteers with community-based health promotion and malaria prevention activities. The districts targeted in this project are Baucau, Viqueque, Lautem, Aileu, Dili, and Oecussi.

This program, implemented by USAID partners Timor-Leste Asisténsia Integradu Saúde (TAIS) and Catholic Relief Services, complements the Ministry of Health's anti-malaria program that gives the treated bed nets to pregnant women when they visit antenatal care facilities. In 2004, USAID also supported the distribution of 40,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets intended to reach most pregnant women across Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Health's facilities. These programs are an integral part of USAID's new strategic objective to help Timor-Leste improve the health of its people, particularly women and children at greatest risk.