PermaNet® 2.0 passed the WHOPES evaluation in January 2004 and received a full recommendation at the WHOPES meeting in December 2008.

The resin used in the insecticide-treated coating layer of PermaNet® 2.0 has dirt-repellent properties, which means that PermaNet® attracts less dust and dirt than ordinary nets.

PermaNet® 2.0 maintains efficacy for more than 20 washes. Traditional nets have to be re-impregnated seven to ten times to obtain the same effect. Hence, the total exposure of insecticide in the environment is dramatically reduced.

According to field test results from Uganda conducted by Dr Albert Killian from the Malaria Consortium, there is less skin irritation with PermaNet® 2.0 than with nets using a traditional Deltamethrin dipping procedure. PermaNet® 2.0 impregnation actually protects the Deltamethrin from overexposure. With less Deltamethrin available on the net's surface at any given time, the usual irritation associated with Deltamethrin is much reduced and after only one wash, tendencies for skin irritation resulting from PermaNet® 2.0 disappear.

Deltamethrin is the only insecticide used in PermaNet® 2.0. We maintain our commitment to testing other insecticides to look for as yet-undiscovered benefits in specific areas.

The efficacy of PermaNet® 2.0 in areas where mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids varies depending on the type of resistance mechanism involved and the level of resistance in the mosquito population. In some areas, in particular where there is more than one resistance mechanism involved, there is a high probability that there will be a reduced efficacy with all pyrethroid treated nets, in which case a combination net such as PermaNet® 3.0 would be more suitable.

The target dosage is 1.8g/kg (equivalent to 55 mg/m²).

PermaNet® 2.0 uses Deltamethrin, an alpha- cyano pyrethroid recommended by the WHO for use on bed nets. Deltamethrin has a good toxicology profile which makes it practically harmless to humans.

After it has been washed to exhaustion, PermaNet® 2.0 can be re-impregnated like any other net. PermaNet® 2.0 that had been hand-dipped with a commercial product by the WHO reference laboratory in Montpellier, France, showed normal efficacy.

At the moment, a standardised washing powder recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) is used for all laboratory evaluations.

PermaNet® 2.0 is warp-knitted from strong, 100% polyester yarns. Our excellent production techniques provide PermaNet® 2.0 with uniformly woven netting material. To set the net and prevent shrinkage, the fabric is placed on a stenter and exposed to high heat. The next step, Deltamethrin-impregnation, uses a continuous industrial process that secures exact concentration and equal distribution of the insecticide, guaranteeing the long-lasting effects of PermaNet® 2.0. Lastly, the netting material is cut and sewn into various shapes and sizes that represent ready-to-use PermaNet® 2.0.

Every process is subject to extensive inline controls, which ensure that every finished PermaNet® 2.0 bed net meets company specifications and WHO recommendations.

Pyrethroid is a neurological insecticide that is absorbed by the legs of the mosquito. When the poison is detected, mosquitoes often dispose of the affected legs. With only three or fewer legs, mosquitoes lose their balance and can no longer fly, land or bite.

KD or Knockdown refers to the state of intoxication and partial paralysis, which usually occurs before death in insects caused by exposure to insecticides such as pyrethroids and DDT. The degree of knockdown and recovery in mosquitoes depends on the dose of insecticide but in real life conditions (in the field) knocked-down mosquitoes do not survive because they are eaten by ants or desiccate before they can regain consciousness.

Total Mortality (TM) refers to dead mosquitoes (i.e. mosquitoes that look dead and do not move any more).

Functional Mortality (FM) refers to mosquitoes that are disabled and would not survive in the wild; usually this includes mosquitoes that have lost at least three legs or one wing.

PermaNet® 2.0 is a long-lasting insecticidal bed net (LN). PermaNet® is made of 100% polyester and impregnated according to the specifications, customer quality control systems and requirements of international health and aid organisations. PermaNet® 2.0 is an improved version of PermaNet® 1.0 and provides unequalled personal protection against malaria.