Ensuring "human security"

Bed net factory in Tanzania combats malaria

Malaria, a deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, kills over 1 million people annually, and infects between 350 and 500 million people worldwide. Africa bears 90% of the global impact of malaria deaths and illness, and an African child dies from malaria every 30 seconds.

Africa loses an estimated $12 billion each year to the costs of malaria care and reduced productivity. In the hardest hit countries, the disease lowers the growth of GNP (gross national product) by 2% per year. Malaria is a leading cause of death and illness in Tanzania, and accounts for about 40 per cent of all outpatients treated by health services.

Reducing the spread of malaria is one of the Millennium Development Goals, and is a vital step that supports other MDGs, including reducing poverty and child deaths, and achieving universal primary education.

The Arusha net factory in Tanzania is a joint venture by Sumitomo Chemical of Japan and A to Z Textile Mills, a Tanzanian company, that reflects the spirit of the TICAD process.

The factory is producing Olyset long-lasting insecticidal net with technology developed by Sumitomo. The nets are a crucial tool in the fight against malaria in Tanzania and across Africa, and are the only such nets recommended by the World Health Organization manufactured in Africa.

The factory makes 10 million nets per year, and has created over 3,200 jobs supporting at least 20,000 people.

To stem malaria, Africa needs tens of millions of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets every year. The Arusha factory demonstrates that the nets can be produced in Africa, by Africans and for Africans, thanks to a partnership with a Japanese company.

Tanzania is committed to implementing anti-malaria initiatives, including increasing the use of the insecticide treated nets, promoting prompt and effective treatment of malaria, as well as use of preventive treatment of malaria among pregnant women.