Nothing But Nets: A Biography of Global Health Science and Its Objects

Insecticide-treated bed nets have become a staple of global public health initiatives, but their development was deeply enmeshed with the emergence of the contemporary global health enterprise. Kirsten Moore-Sheeley's book "Nothing But Nets" reveals how the intervention was standardized and became a market good, attracting donor resources for malaria control but perpetuating a paradigm of fighting poverty at the level of individual consumers. Africans' experiences with insecticide-treated nets illustrate the limitations of this paradigm and provide a warning for the precariousness of malaria control efforts today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) have emerged as a crucial component of global public health initiatives, playing a pivotal role in malaria control and shaping health practices in Africa and beyond. These nets, distributed to millions of individuals annually, are chemically infused with insecticides to protect users from mosquito bites, thereby reducing the risk of malaria transmission. Despite their apparent effectiveness, the development and widespread use of ITNs were not inevitable.

In her book "Nothing But Nets," Kirsten Moore-Sheeley delves into the intricate history of ITNs, tracing their development from early conceptualizations as a temporary solution to rural health systems in the 1980s to their standardized market goods with the potential to save lives and promote economic development globally. This transformation was driven by the rise of neoliberal regimes in international development, which sought to address malaria and poverty through market-based solutions.

While ITNs attracted significant donor resources for malaria control, they also perpetuated a paradigm of fighting malaria and poverty at the level of individual consumers. Africans' experiences with ITNs highlight the limitations of this approach and serve as a cautionary tale for the precariousness of malaria control efforts today. Moore-Sheeley's book draws on a wealth of archival, published, and oral historical evidence from three continents, shedding light on the important role Africans have played in shaping global health science and technology. By placing both ITNs and Africa at the center of global health narratives, the book challenges prevailing narratives that often overlook the contributions and experiences of African communities.

The rise of ITNs has had a profound impact on malaria control efforts in Africa. By providing a protective barrier against mosquito bites, ITNs have contributed to a significant reduction in malaria cases and deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of ITNs has saved an estimated 627,000 lives in Africa since 2000. However, challenges remain, including the need for sustained funding, distribution, and education about the proper use and disposal of ITNs.

In addition to their impact on malaria control, ITNs have also had broader societal benefits. They have improved the quality of life for individuals and families by reducing the risk of malaria-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. ITNs have also contributed to economic development by creating job opportunities in the manufacturing and distribution of nets, as well as by promoting tourism and agriculture in areas where malaria is prevalent.

Despite these successes, the development and use of ITNs have also raised concerns about environmental sustainability and health risks. The use of insecticides in ITNs can have negative impacts on human health and the environment, particularly in areas where mosquitoes have developed resistance to the chemicals. Additionally, the disposal of used ITNs can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not done properly.

To address these challenges, efforts have been made to develop alternative technologies for malaria control, such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated clothing. These technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their effectiveness may vary depending on the context and the prevalence of malaria.

In conclusion, the development and widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets have transformed malaria control and global health practices in Africa and beyond. While these nets have had a significant impact on reducing malaria cases and deaths, their development was not inevitable, and their use has raised concerns about environmental sustainability and health risks. By placing both ITNs and Africa at the center of global health narratives, Moore-Sheeley's book highlights the important role Africans have played in shaping global health science and technology and provides a valuable insight into the complexities of malaria control efforts.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421447575