Of the approximately 80 million insecticide-treated nets distributed through Global Fund–supported programmes in 2012, about 66 million (73%) went to sub-Saharan African countries. This is well below half the 150 million insecticide-treated nets that the World Health Organisation estimates are needed annually to protect all populations at risk of malaria in this region.

This information was contained in the Global Fund’s “Update on Results and Impact” report published on the eve of the Fund’s pre-replenishment meeting in Brussels, Belgium on 9–10 April.

In sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria were the top recipients of bednets.

The report said that coverage of insecticide-treated nets may decline in the sub-Saharan region in the near future unless there is a substantial increase in availability of nets in 2013. The report explained that insecticide-treated nets need to be replaced every three years.

Of the approximately 16 million nets that were distributed in the Asia region in 2012, the report said, half went to three countries – India, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.

According to the report, about half of the countries affected by malaria are on track to meet international targets of a 75% reduction in malaria cases by 2015. The report said that further progress depends on achieving higher coverage of prevention and treatment in high-burden countries.

The report said that 80% of malaria cases occur in just 14 countries. The list includes  Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where coverage is more limited; according to the report, this is holding back progress at global levels.

The Global Fund said that in Africa, eight countries –  Swaziland, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Cape Verde, Algeria and Sao Tome and Principe – have achieved a 75% reduction in malaria cases. Eritrea is on track to achieve a 75% reduction; Madagascar and Zambia are on track to achieve a reduction of between 50% and 75%.

The Global Fund is conducting impact analyses of HIV, TB and malaria programmes in several countries. Initial findings for malaria programmes reveal a 92% reduction in malaria deaths in Bangladesh; and an 80% drop in malaria deaths in Cambodia.

Since 2002, $5.2 billion has been disbursed to support malaria interventions.

The “Update on Results and Impact” report is available on the Global Fund website here.

This is one of a series of GFO articles on the documents released by the Global Fund for the pre-replenishment meeting in Brussels.