Create shared-value through investments in responsible supply chain management focusing on corporate-based malaria control programs

Combatting malaria and other vector borne diseases results in shared-value for employees, local communities, governments, investors and corporations alike. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) an estimated 655,000 persons died of malaria in 2010. Eighty-six percent of the victims were children under 5 years of age. The good news is that that constitutes a total reduction in malaria fatalities by 25% in just one decade.

The bad news is, that in the aftermath of the global debt-crisis, institutional and bi-lateral funding to combat malaria is dwindling, which ultimately threatens to undermine the great achievements and results obtained over the last decade in the pursuit of eliminating malaria.

An increase in malaria cases and outbreaks of other vector borne diseases such as dengue fever threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions which has a negative impact on supply chain operations and economic growth and stability in emerging markets.

A growing number of private corporations are currently stepping up and facing this challenge, not only because it is the ethical choice, but because it is a sound, cost-effective business decision and a very profitable business case.

Corporate-based malaria control programs can significantly reduce the number of malaria cases among employees, their families and local communities in the supply chain.

As a member of the UN Global Compact and Global Business Coalition on Health (GBC Health) Bestnet A/S makes available our unique WHO recommended bednet technology, Netprotect® Long Lasting Insecticide Incorporated Nets (LLINs), knowledge and global network to corporate partners ready to combat malaria.

Traditionally, LLINs are white or blue, but in order to increase user compliance and provide our partners with new means of communicating with the target users, Bestnet A/S has, through committed business innovation, developed a method that makes it possible to customize bed nets with logos, colors, images and messaging.

The unique Netprotect® LLIN customized imprinted logo nets enable our partners to:

• Increase user rates, by offering more desirable and culturally appropriate LLIN alternatives

• Utilize LLINs as behavior change communication tools to deliver messaging on malaria prevention.

•Optimize the use of funds that are available for cross-cutting issues such as WASH, HIV/AIDS, education, gender, etc.