Bednet Use

For decades, malaria programs have measured success by the number of bednets distributed. But distribution is only one step in saving a life. The crucial next step is turning distributed bednets into used bednets.

Statistics show that bednet use is a worldwide problem. Too many families simply are not using them.

In its February 2024 analysis, GiveWell estimated one net costs about $5 to purchase and distribute. But in a recent large-scale bednet distribution program, approximately $4,500 in funding was required to save one life. Why?

Millions of nets are never used at all.
Millions of nets are misused or repurposed into fishing nets, vegetation cover, etc.
Millions of nets are not used consistently. After just a few nights they are often never used again.

DESIGNED To Be USED

The solution is a BETTER bednet — designed to turn unused nets into used nets — and occasional use into consistent use, night after night, year after year.

See how it works.

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* GiveWell estimates that approximately $4,500 in donations are required to save one life through large-scale insecticide-treated bednet programs. This figure reflects real-world conditions with old-style hanging nets.

Greater Impact — Same Cost

A malaria bednet will save lives only when families use it. If we can double use, exposure to malaria mosquitoes is cut in half. Five times the use cuts exposure to one-fifth. Ten times the use cuts exposure to one-tenth its current rate.

This is how the same donor dollar has the potential to save two, five, ten, or even more times as many lives – without increasing costs.

Better design allows existing malaria prevention investments to make every donor dollar go further.

GiveWell cost-effectiveness analysis: How Much Does It Cost to Save a Life – February 2024 version | GiveWell
WHO malaria facts: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria

2026 Objectives:

PRODUCTION

Goal $125,000 (18%) - Produce OKnets at WHO-approved factories in preparation for large-scale deployment.

FIELD TESTING

Goal $75,000 (8%) - Distribute OKnets, measure nightly use, and gather user feedback.

WHO PATHWAY

Goal $300,000 (46%) - Complete the WHO endorsement process to access national malaria programs.

FUNDRAISING

Goal $50,000 (8%) - Develop grassroots campaigns and secure larger grants for long-term donor support.

WEBSITE

Goal $25,000 (4%) - Educate supporters and share progress to inspire donations and advocacy.

ADMINISTRATION

Goal $75,000 (12%) - Governance, financial oversight, and efficient operations maximize mission impact.

What is GiveWell?

GiveWell is an independent nonprofit organization that researches charities and evaluates how effectively they save and improve lives. Its recommendations are widely respected in the philanthropic community and are based on extensive analysis of costs, evidence, and measurable impact. Since its founding in 2007, GiveWell has directed billions of dollars to high-impact programs, including malaria prevention through insecticide-treated bednets.

Bednet Use

DESIGNED To Be USED

Greater Impact — Same Cost