Using chicken feathers to make mosquito nets

This innovative project combines two facts of life in Tanzania: the abundance of unused chicken feathers (a waste by-product of food production and not typically recycled) and the prevalence of malaria, a major health burden. Mosquito nets have proven effective against malaria transmission, but are not readily accessible and affordable to every family. The innovators will recycle chicken feathers from markets and people’s homes to produce mosquito nets from keratin fibers (found in hair). Keratin fibers are lightweight and strong, and resistant to mechanical and thermal stress, features that will make these novel nets far more durable and reusable. This approach will not only contribute to malaria control, but will have a positive impact on the environment and create many business opportunities.