Friday, May 5, 2006
On Friday, the group had a full day of orientation and press briefings on malaria, Tanzania and cultural and political issues in the region. One of the key topics centered around the prevention of malaria and the use of chemically treated bed nets like this one shown (above, right). The bed nets, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical (one of the sponsors of the trips) prevent mosquitos from biting locals at night and spreading infection of malaria. The nets cost about $6 each -- as much as two months wages in the region -- and are distributed in Tanzania and Eastern Africa. However, one of the issues that came up was the reluctance in Tanzania to allow or support free distribution of the bed nets, some claiming that free distribution discourages use. There is little evidence to support that claim.
