training module for medical officers primary health centre - NVBDCP

Bales are relatively easy to handle, being light enough to be moved manually. The principal concern intheir storage is thus one of volume rather than weight. The very large volumes involved make it criticalthat there is adequate storage capacity at all levels.The tightly packed and tied bales can be stacked several layers high (up to a height of 5 m) without anydamage to the bottom layers. In theory, 5.8 bales of polyester LLINs occupy a volume of 1 m 3 ; inpractice, 4 bales/m 3 is a reasonable working figure. Thus, if a warehouse room space is 3 m x 3 m x 3m, available volume is 27 m 3 , which would accommodate 27 x 4 = 108 bales or a total of 10800polyester LLINs.Monofilament polyethylene LLINs can be stored at 6 bales/m 3 , so that the same warehouse volume of27 m 3 would accommodate 162 bales or 6480 LLINs of this type.Stock management is relatively simple because LLINs are well packed and do not deterioratephysically. Bales must be carefully counted by at least two individuals during off-loading of thecontainers; this provides a double-check of the quantities indicated on the bills of lading.TransportEven though LLINs are well wrapped and bales robustly packaged, every vehicle must be equippedwith a tarpaulin for protection.As for storage, the principal consideration in the transport of LLINs is one of volume rather than weight.Onward transport of LLINs from PHC to subcentres and villages could be done, if needed, by thevehicles normally used to carry medicines, vaccines and other supplies – most often bicycles andmotorcycles.Assumptions for carrying capacity One person with bicycle and vaccine carrier can carry 4 – 6 LLINs weighing 2.6 – 4.0 kg dependingon various factors. One person with motorcycle and vaccine carrier can carry 10 LLINs weighing 6.5 kg One 4 x 4 light vehicle with mobile team members and vaccines and equipment can carry 150LLINs weighing 97.5 kg.Distribution of BednetsPreparatory activitiesIt is important that preparatory work is done to ensure optimal use of mosquito nets. The followingactivities must be completed prior to the distribution or insecticide treatment of the mosquito nets: Survey of the area – number of households, number of persons in each household, number ofpregnant women and children under 5 years of age, number of mosquito nets in use, knowledge,attitude and practices Identification and involvement of community representatives, self help groups, women’sorganizations and NGOsPreparation of the list of beneficiaries89