New evidence that climatic factors influence use of mosquito nets
26 January 2026
A new Malaria Consortium study highlights the importance of timing mosquito net distribution campaigns according to climate predictions.
Published in Malaria Journal, the study strengthens previous evidence exploring the associations between climate and net use, finding that seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature are key determinants of net use behaviour.
The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria. Yet evidence shows that even when households have access to nets, usage is inconsistent. This limits the effectiveness of ITNs and places people at risk of infection. Some of the most commonly cited reasons for not sleeping under available nets include feeling too hot, or perception of low malaria risk, especially if people cannot see any mosquitoes.
