A to Z Textile Mills' long-lasting insecticide-treated bednets are protecting millions from malaria.
Investment Stories
The Challenge
- Nearly one million people in Africa die every year from malaria, and those at greatest risk are children and pregnant women.
- Bednets are one of the most effective means for preventing the transmission of malaria. Treated nets kill the mosquitoes on contact, but the cost of re-treating a conventional bednet with insecticide every few months is too heavy a burden for many people.
The Innovation
- A to Z Textile Mills, a Tanzanian manufacturer, produces bednets impregnated with a long-lasting insecticide, making them effective for up to five years instead of the usual six months, with no need for re-treatment.
- Already, A to Z has found a more cost-effective way to weave the bednet, which is expected to decrease the cost of production from $7 to $5 and provide even more access to the life-saving bednets.
- Acumen Fund is currently working with A to Z to develop private sector distribution channels for the Olyset nets.
The Impact
- Production of the Olyset nets has increased to more than 10 million per year, and costs continue to decrease with scale.
- Many nets have already been sold through private channels, and are protecting millions in Tanzania.
- Better-paying jobs at A to Z’s production facilities have been created, primarily for women, raising standards of living for the workers and their families.