Possibilities for the Re-collection and Recycling of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) in Sub-Saharan Africa
Date
2009-04-24
Author
Advisors
Meyer, Joel
Beerbohm, Elissa
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Abstract
The United States Agency of International Development (USAID) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) have relied heavily on the distribution of bednets to curb malaria
in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, WHO has recently recommended a massive scale-up
of its distribution of long long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Many nets
in circulation are already reaching their end-of-life stage, and with more nets on
the way USAID and WHO are concerned that discarded nets will have negative impacts
on both the environment and human health. This master’s project addresses two issues
of concern for USAID’s LLIN technical team: 1) whether a disposal/recycling program
is a possibility for manufacturers and donors, and 2) whether there are realistic
possibilities for retrieving nets from the field after they have lost their efficacy.
Research on these issues was conducted through a literature review and a series of
interviews with manufacturers, donors and other stake-holders.
Results indicate that take-back and recycling programs could be a possibility. Manufacturers
are receptive to the idea of more environmentally friendly practices including recycling
old nets and using biodegradable packaging. They are also continuing to develop technology
to make recycling nets a possibility. Additionally, the World Bank’s estimate for
cost of recycling programs is feasible for donors at this time. Existing recycling
programs in developing countries have also provided models of successful examples
for take-back programs in sub-Saharan Africa. They highlight the importance of education
and the value of using existing infrastructure for sustainable programs with high
success rates.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/1021Citation
Koehrn, Kara (2009). Possibilities for the Re-collection and Recycling of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated
Nets (LLINs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/1021.Collections
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