At the first distribution site, people grouped themselves by village. They had come from far away to get their free nets.
These women caregivers are wearing their RAPIDS chitenges (fabric wrap) and are dancing like no one's business! The caregivers will be the ones to talk with clients/recipients about the nets, how to care for them - and will check up on them on a regular basis to make sure they are being used correctly.
These mothers are waiting for nets. Pregnant women and children under five years are the generally targeted first for nets because they are the most vulnerable.
Before the actual distribution, the district health staff tell the net recipients about malaria, the nets, how they are used and how to care for them. There were several thousand people at this first distribution. 
At the second distribution, I asked the people "how many of you had malaria last year?" - nearly everybody raised their hands. The nets (seen at left still in the bales) will go a long way towards reducing the incidences of malaria. If the area can get 80% coverage, there is a good chance that malaria will be eradicated.
Each person was registered by their caregiver before the distribution - and had to sign their names (or if they couldn't write, they used their finger print) to show they received their nets. If neighbors couldn't make it, they will also pick up their nets. The villagers will self-police and keep track of who should have received a net.
It was a very hot day, so people who brought their umbrellas were able to find some relief from the sun...or they could use their nets as shelter!
Everyone here carries stuff on their heads...that's why they have such excellent posture (a comment I keep pointing out to Sophie!!).
The granny in the middle came up to me - and just started talking away, in a language I didn't understand, but she had something to say to me! She was the sweetest woman and I loved listening to her speak so emphatically... but not being able to reciprocate. With time, she and her friends walked away, clearly I was no longer fun to talk with!
The grannies walking home with their nets. It always makes me happy to see old people because I know the ravages of AIDS have passed them over. On the flip side, they are often taking care of grandchildren and great children who have lost their parents to AIDS.
These school girls are so happy to get their nets!!
The methodology we use to distribute nets at the community level with our caregivers really is an ideal method and we have found net usability is high - and incidences of malaria have decreased. Caregivers will continue to check up with clients months from now to make sure they are being used properly.
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