Malaria remains a public-health concern in Nigeria despite huge global investments in the production and
distribution of insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) to protect people from
Plasmodium falciparum
parasite. Information
on the use of ITNs is needed for designing strategies for its effective use. Focus group discussions
(FGDs) were conducted in communities from 3 geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The people had poor knowledge
of malaria and mosquito bites, which resulted in wrong perception and misuse of the nets as door
and window blinds to “protect entire household” since only two nets were given per household. The use of
community structures (traditional leaders/village heads, youths, churches, and mosques) was suggested to
ensure effective distribution of nets, sensitize, and monitor net-use in the communities. Health education
would dispel misconceptions that ITNs could kill, curtail human fertility, and that local gin (
Kai-Kai) would
induce sleep and make one oblivious of mosquito nuisance.
