Giant mosquito net unveiled

The malarial mosquito - a big killer in Africa

The world's largest mosquito net has been unveiled at a ceremony in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Measuring 20m across and 225 times larger than a normal mosquito net, it was made as part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign to increase awareness about the disease malaria.

Organisations in malaria-affected areas of the world should use treated bednets to protect the health of their families and themselves

Stella Obasanjo

Malaria, which is carried by mosquitoes, kills about one million people each year - about 90% of those are African children, according to WHO figures.

Nigeria will host a one-day WHO summit of African leaders and non-government organisations on malaria next week.

An official from the Guinness Book of Records was on hand to confirm the 3m high net as the largest ever produced.

Killer disease

During the ceremony, 225 school students sheltered under the net, which had been treated with insecticide to repel mosquitoes.

"Communal organisations, women's groups and other organisations in malaria-affected areas of the world should use treated bednets to protect the health of their families and themselves," said Nigeria's first lady, Stella Obasanjo.

"No effort should be spared in spreading this practice to the rural and remote parts of all affected countries."

The BBC's Nigeria correspondent, Barnaby Phillips, says that behind the somewhat bizarre publicity stunt is a serious message.

In Asia and in South America, malaria is on the retreat; but in Africa, it continues to spread.

The collapse of health systems, environmental changes, and drug resistance have all contributed to the resurgence of the disease.

WHO says the increased distribution of mosquito bed nets is one very effective way of combating the disease.