Malaria is a leading cause of child deaths in Africa.  According to the WHO, 70% of all malaria deaths are children under five.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists malaria as the fifth cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide (after respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis), but is the second leading cause of death from infectious diseases in Africa and the number one killer of children under the age of five.

Since a mosquito's primary point of attack is during the night when people are asleep, studies have shown that the use of insecticide-treated nets significantly reduces instances of mosquito bites.  Many families, however, can’t afford these nets, so Develop Africa has been doing its small part to help kids, and their families, stay healthy through the distribution of  insecticide-treated mosquito nets.  

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are the preferred form of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) for public health programs. In most settings, WHO recommends LLIN coverage for all people at risk of malaria. Develop Africa provides LLINs free of charge, providing equal access for all. In parallel, effective behavioral change communication strategies are required to ensure that all people at risk of malaria sleep under an LLIN every night, and that the net is properly maintained.