PMI is also working to prevent and control malaria through insecticide-treated nets. As of November 2006, close to one million nets had been distributed in the first three focus countries. In Tanzania, this effort is helping to stimulate the private sector net market.

After registering at a local health clinic in Tanzania’s Morogoro district and receiving a voucher for a discounted mosquito net, 33-year-old Stumai Omary, who is five months pregnant, went to a shop across from the clinic to redeem it. Mrs. Omary qualifies for this discount through the Hati Punguzo program, which receives U.S. Government support. The program provides a large discount on nets for pregnant women through a voucher that they can redeem at participating retail outlets.

With the discount, she paid about $1.60 for the net. “The top-up amount is affordable,” she said. “I just have to explain to my husband the importance of buying nets to protect our children from malaria,” she added.