Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends that national malaria programs universally distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs). We construct a model to explore the cost effectiveness of LLINs, asking how a longer lifespan affects the relative cost effectiveness of nets, and if, when and why LLINs might be preferred to conventional insecticide-treated nets. We model the choice of net over a 10-year period to facilitate the comparison of nets with different lifespans and replenishment need over time. One-way sensitivity analysis is conducted to explicitly compare the differential effect of changing parameters such as price, lifespan, usage and replenishment need. Our results support the World Health Organization recommendation to distribute only LLINs, while giving guidance on the price thresholds above which this recommendation will no longer hold. Program planners should be willing to pay a premium for nets which have a longer physical lifespan, and if planners are willing to pay USD 1600 per under-5 death averted, investing in replenishment is cost effective.