The article by Kim et al., “Using a human-centered design approach to determine consumer preferences for long-lasting insecticidal nets in Ghana,” raises 2 important questions. First, can the public sector adapt
long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) designs to the user’s point of view rather than purely technical and cost considerations? Second, is it possible to segment the market for mosquito nets such that people who can afford to pay can acquire the nets they want commercially, while the public sector focuses limited resources on those most in need who are unable to afford to purchase nets? These questions challenge current strategies on
2 counts. First, large international tenders for mosquito nets are awarded on unit costs that meet the minimum physical standards. Second, “universal coverage” demands that all persons living in malaria endemic areas receive a free standard net.