Abstract
Background : Malaria vector control is mostly based on Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN). To date, all LLINs fullyrecommended by the World Health Organization Pesticide Scheme (WHOPES) are made of polyester orpolyethylene. In this context, a new LLIN named LifeNet©, made of polypropylene fiber is developed. According tothe manufacturer, LifeNet©is made of soft filament, has a greater mechanical strength, a superior insecticide washresistance with a short insecticide regeneration time, a better flammability profile and a better environmentalprofile compared to polyester or polyethylene nets.Methods : Through a WHOPES supervised trial, the efficacy of LifeNet© was evaluated in Benin in experimental hutsagainst free-flying wild mosquitoes.Results:LifeNet© has equal or better performances in terms of wash resistance, exophily, blood feeding inhibitionand mortality compared to conventionally treated nets (CTN) treated with deltamethrin at 25 mg/m2and washedto just before exhaustion.Conclusions : The efficacy of LifeNet© observed in this trial indicates that this net fulfill World Health OrganizationPesticide Scheme (WHOPES) requirement for Long Lasting technology in Phase II. Throughout a Phase III trialcurrently ongoing in Southern Benin, the durability and the acceptability of this long-lasting insecticidal mosquitonets will be assessed under community conditions.