Except for the global 4-5% of people who suffer from claustrophobia, a condition causing anxiety or panic in confined spaces such as a box, net, or any other enclosed area, or those living in cold climate regions like Northern Europe, Northern Canada, Alaska, Western Europe, and parts of the United States, or high-altitude regions of South America, Ethiopia, and Kenya, or on the isolated and well-managed islands of Iceland and New Zealand, you need to hang that net. This simple action can help protect you and your loved ones from the dangers of malaria and other diseases spread by mosquito bites. 

Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium spp. Infected mosquitoes bite humans and transmit the parasite. Malaria is a serious issue; in 2022, an estimated 249 million people contracted malaria in 85 countries. That same year, the disease killed approximately 608,000 people (about half the population of Hawaii). Mosquito nets, particularly insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), are essential to current global malaria control efforts. Despite the widespread distribution of ITNs, particularly in countries with high cases of malaria, primarily due to donor-funded distribution programs, malaria cases continue to rise. The evidence for ITNs as a malaria control strategy is overwhelming. Studies have shown that using ITNs reduced new cases of malaria by half and cut deaths due to the ailment by more than 16% compared to areas that do not use ITNs. 

Interestingly, owning a mosquito net does not equate to using it. For example, in one study in Niger, West Africa, only 33% of available mosquito nets in households with mosquito nets were used the night before the survey. Thus, ownership of ITNs is not the only barrier to achieving the desired reduction in malaria death and disease rates; rather, individuals who own (or have access to) mosquito nets must use them to achieve the goal of malaria eradication. 

Here are six compelling reasons to hang your mosquito net today: 

1. Mosquito nets can reduce disease transmission by up to 90% in malaria-prone areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, potentially saving lives. If Plasmodium falciparum malaria is not treated within 24 hours, it can lead to severe illness and death. Adults with severe malaria can experience multi-organ failure, whereas children frequently experience severe anaemia, respiratory distress, or cerebral malaria. Countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Mozambique account for more than half of all malaria deaths worldwide. Hanging a net in these areas is critical to your safety. 
2. Mosquitoes need blood to nourish their eggs and reproduce, so they bite people. Also, to transmit malaria, a mosquito must bite an infected person before biting another. When you sleep with an ITN, mosquitoes cannot get the blood they require, resulting in their death. This disrupts the transmission cycle by preventing mosquitoes from becoming infected and spreading the disease. 
3. Mosquito nets are effective physical barriers against mosquitoes, protecting individuals and communities. When widely used, mosquito nets have a 'community effect' that reduces the overall mosquito population. By hanging onto your net, you can help eliminate malaria in your home, community, and globally. 
4. Investing in a mosquito net is far more cost-effective than treating malaria. Priced at just N4,000 ($2.50) each and often distributed for free in many developing countries, these nets can last three to four years, substantially lowering disease transmission rates. By using a mosquito net, you save on healthcare expenses and combat the rising costs of malaria treatment drugs. 
5. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) not only repel but also kill mosquitoes, providing a dual layer of protection. They are effective against a wide range of diseases also spread by mosquitoes, including Yellow fever, Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Elephantiasis. By using an ITN, you safeguard yourself and your family from multiple health threats, ensuring comprehensive protection. 
6. Malaria poses a higher risk to certain groups, such as infants, children under five, pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, migrants, and travelers. These groups are at greater risk and require additional safeguards. Using a mosquito net helps to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable people by providing them with the necessary protection. 

Mosquito nets are available in various types, sizes, and colours to suit different needs and preferences. Hang your mosquito net today, especially if you are not using other effective mosquito prevention measures, such as the use of insect repellents, insecticide-treated clothing, or indoor insecticide sprays, and actively contribute to the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, ensuring a healthier future for yourself and your community.