Indicators

In areas of intense malaria transmission, malaria-related morbidity and mortality are concentrated in young children, and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) by children under 5 has been demonstrated to considerably reduce malaria disease incidence, malaria-related anaemia and all cause under 5 mortality.  In addition to being listed as an MDG indicator under Goal 6, the use of ITNs is identified by WHO as one of the main interventions to reduce the burden of malaria.

Percentage of children under five years of age in malaria endemic areas who slept under an insecticide-treated nets (ITN) the previous night.

Age, Location (urban/rural), Education level : Maternal education, Wealth : Wealth quintile, Boundaries : Administrative regions, Boundaries : Health regions

The number of children <5 years sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets = (The number of children aged 0-59 months who slept under an insecticide-treated mosquito net the night prior to the survey / The total number of children aged 0-59 months included in the survey) x 100 Data are derived from nationally-representative household surveys such as Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS), and `rider` questions on other representative population-based surveys, that include questions on whether children under five years of age slept under an ITN the previous night.

Outcome

Data from nationally-representative household surveys, including Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) and Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS), are compiled in the UNICEF global databases. The data are reviewed in collaboration with Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership, launched in 1998 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.   Predominant type of statistics: adjusted

Regional and global estimates are based on population-weighted averages weighted by the total number of children under five years of age. These estimates are presented only if available data cover at least 50% of total children under five years of age in the regional or global groupings.

N/A

Annual

Every 3-5 years

It is important to note that while the MDG indicator only refers to children aged <5 years, WHO recommends that all household members sleep under ITNs in malaria-risk areas.