"A to Z currently produces over 10 million nets a year, and has stopped hundreds of thousands of people from getting ill from malaria. "
Net Gains

Malaria is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, and is the single biggest cause of death for children under five in Africa.

But it’s not all bad news. Thankfully malaria is preventable – and in recent years the number of people contracting the disease has fallen dramatically.

One of the most effective tools to prevent malaria is insecticide-treated nets, which families sleep under to protect themselves from disease-carrying mosquitoes. So when, in 2003, Japanese chemical company Sumitomo teamed up with Tanzanian textile company A to Z to manufacture its nets, it was the beginning of something beautiful.

Thanks to a loan from Acumen, an organisation which invests in businesses that provide services for those fighting poverty, and net technology from Sumitomo, A to Z Textiles now has the tools and expertise to produce their own nets and make a profit. So far 3,200 new jobs have been created at the company – most of which have been filled by women who no longer live in fear of their children getting malaria.

A to Z currently produces over 10 million nets a year, and has stopped hundreds of thousands of people from getting ill from malaria. This goes to show the benefits that can be reaped from innovative international business partnerships and the transferral of technology to Africa.

Provided by The Department of International Development

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