Combination of mosquito net and functional item for medical diagnosis, and method of manufacturing and transporting the same, and use

Abstract

A combination of a carrier sheet (6) and a mosquito net (1), wherein the mosquito net (1) comprises a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy to cover a bedding area and protect humans from insects, the carrier sheet (6) is made of a flexible material and has edges attached to the mesh fabric (5) optionally by sewing, and the carrier sheet (6) is loaded with a functional item for medical diagnosis, such as a malaria test kit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a mosquito net and a functional item attached to its mesh fabric, in particular to the combination as defined in the preamble of the independent claim, as well as to methods for producing and transporting said combination, as well as to a method for using said combination.

[0002] Traditional mosquito nets are the most effective way to protect people from malaria. In their simplest form, mosquito nets are a mesh fabric stretched across a human habitation, such as over a bed. Their effectiveness against mosquitoes and other insects has been improved by adding insecticides to the nets. Technology in this area has advanced over the past 20 years, providing long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) that can be washed and last for several years.

[0003] In parallel with technological developments, distribution channels for mosquito nets have improved significantly, and insecticide-treated nets have become widely available, especially in rural areas of Africa. A 2008 campaign by Vestergaard also leveraged these net distribution channels to distribute water filters. The campaign specifically distributed PermaNet® type mosquito nets in Care-Pack® bags, which also contained LifeStraw® brand water filters, condoms, and educational materials on expanding the fight against vector-borne diseases like malaria to include sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS. While successful, the campaign was short-lived and did not evolve into a general distribution program for other disease prevention interventions.

[0004] Using additional plastic bags to distribute items in addition to the mosquito nets increases material and packaging costs, but above all, it increases waste, which defeats the purpose of reducing global waste, especially plastic waste.

[0005] To achieve the global goals set by the WHO for better global health, including in rural areas, it would be desirable to find ways to further improve disease prevention and control in rural areas, such as those in Africa, where health services and infrastructure are scarce.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art and to improve the art generally. In particular, the object is to improve the early detection and prevention of disease in rural areas. This object and further advantages are achieved by the methods, combinations and uses thereof as described below and in the claims.

[0007] In short, the mosquito nets are used as a vehicle for the distribution of functional items for medical diagnostic testing, which are useful in aiding disease control in rural areas. In particular, the following have been found to be useful:

[0008] When transporting mosquito nets from manufacturing sites to end-user locations, such as rural areas in Africa, they can be used as a vehicle to transport other items, particularly functional items used for disease diagnosis. Mosquito nets are used to prevent malaria, but their effectiveness is primarily felt at night when people sleep under them. However, during the day and in the early morning and evening hours, when malaria-transmitting mosquitoes are active, people are at higher risk of contracting malaria. Therefore, it is useful to send malaria diagnostic kits along with the mosquito nets.

[0009] Below, we generalize this methodology not only to the transport of malaria diagnostic test kits, but also to the transport of other types of medical diagnostic functional items, especially other diagnostic kits (including test systems for other vector-borne diseases, COVID-19, and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and syphilis). Furthermore, tests such as blood glucose tests to indicate diabetes and blood counts to indicate anemia are also included. Pregnancy tests are also an option. Early detection and response to pandemics are essential for disease control.

[0010] When using mosquito nets as a vehicle for transporting functional items, particularly those functioning as test systems for medical diagnostics, to rural areas, the functional items are placed on a thin, flexible carrier sheet, usually made of fabric or film, which acts as a carrier to hold the functional items during transport to the end user and may also contain necessary instructions for use of the items and information regarding the evaluation of test diagnostic results.

[0011] The carrier sheet is attached to the mesh fabric of the mosquito net. Typically, only the edges of the carrier sheet, rather than the entire edge, are attached to the mosquito net, e.g., by sewing, similar to the typical attachment method used for information labels. Thus, the carrier sheet resembles an information label, typically attached to one edge of the mesh fabric to provide information about the mosquito net and its supplier. Because the carrier sheet resembles such an information label, it is much smaller than the mosquito net, specifically at least an order of magnitude smaller than the dimensions of the mesh fabric itself. Overall, the carrier sheet differs from the information label in that it has similar dimensions and shape to the information label attached to the mesh fabric, but carries a functional item, such as a diagnostic test kit. In this way, the functional item is securely attached to the mosquito net by the carrier sheet and can be transported with the mosquito net from the manufacturing site to the end user's location without risk of loss during transport. As an added advantage, the functional item does not need to be packaged separately from the mosquito net.

[0012] An additional benefit is obtained by attaching the carrier sheet to the mesh fabric of a mosquito net and then wrapping the mesh fabric around the carrier sheet with a functional item, which provides cushioning and shock absorption and creates an insulating layer around the functional item. The combination of mosquito net and carrier sheet with functional item can then be packaged and shipped safely and packaged from the manufacturing site to the end user's location.

[0013] More specifically, mosquito nets typically comprise a mesh fabric formed into a canopy over a sleeping area to protect humans from insects. Such a canopy typically measures 2-3 meters from top to bottom when suspended. The carrier sheet is much smaller, typically ranging from 10-30 cm in length and width.

[0014] As already mentioned, the carrier sheet carrying the functional items is typically made of a flexible material such as fabric or film, which has edges attached to the mesh fabric, optionally by sewing, but can also be glued or plastic welded to the mesh, the latter being possible with thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0015] The present invention is useful for a variety of functional items, particularly diagnostic sets for disease control, such as vector-borne diseases.

[0016] In some embodiments, a carrier sheet is provided that includes a flexible thermometer, e.g., a flexible printed thermometer. For example, the thermometer is provided in a removable portion of the carrier sheet, configured to be detachable from the remainder of the carrier sheet, which is attached to the mesh of a mosquito net, e.g., by stitching. The removable portion to which the thermometer is attached is configured to be placed on human skin. The thermometer includes a temperature display for displaying the body temperature measured by the thermometer by highlighting a number representing the temperature. For example, the temperature is displayed by color or shading. In this regard, it is noted that body temperature readings are key to diagnosing many diseases, as well as being useful in fertility treatments and other health-related applications.

[0017] For example, the carrier sheet may have attached thereto reagent containers containing test reagents that a user may mix with a bodily fluid to perform a diagnostic test, and optionally, the user may remove the reagent containers from the carrier sheet and open them, for example, to mix within the reagent containers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mixing causes the appearance of the bodily fluid and reagent mixture to change depending on the test result (positive or negative), for example, the color or density of the mixture may change, thereby indicating to the user whether the test is positive or negative.

[0019] In other embodiments, a flow of bodily fluid is directed onto a planar tubular array, and the bodily fluid, whether or not mixed with a reagent before being applied to the tubular array, passes through the tubular array and causes a reaction with a diagnostic result that is visible to the user, such as a coloration that may be caused by an antigen reaction.

[0020] If the test is for testing the concentration of a particular substance (e.g., blood glucose level) in a body fluid, the color change may be gradual depending on the concentration of the substance. To facilitate the user's evaluation of such changes, the carrier sheet may be provided with, for example, a printed comparison indicator. The comparison indicator displays possible colors and / or intensities so that the user can directly compare the color or intensity of the mixture of the reagent and body fluid with the indicator and determine the diagnostic test result based on the comparison.

[0021] Typically, the comparative display of the reaction between the reagent and the bodily fluid is clear enough to allow the user to visually interpret the results. However, the accuracy of the analysis can be improved by using a smartphone application that compares the test results with the comparative display on the carrier sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the smartphone application may include a comparative display programmed for evaluation of the test and may be programmed with a feedback function to present the results to the user.

[0022] In some cases, for better comparison and accurate evaluation, the carrier sheet is provided with an application area having a test evaluation area where the mixture is applied, and the change in color or transparency is compared with the comparison indicator to allow the user to determine the diagnostic test result.

[0023] Optionally, the application area is provided with a reagent that indicates to the user when bodily fluid is applied, whether or not the reagent from the reagent container is present. Again, a comparative indicator on the side of the application area is very helpful for the user to properly evaluate the test results.

[0024] In some embodiments, the carrier sheet carries a removable diagnostic test strip configured to display the results of a diagnostic test after exposure to a bodily fluid such as saliva or urine. Again, the carrier sheet advantageously includes a comparative indicia thereon so that the strip and carrier sheet can be positioned side-by-side and a user can evaluate the test results of the removed strip by comparing them with the comparative indicia on the carrier sheet.

[0025] To resemble a carrier sheet, only the edges of the flexible carrier sheet are attached to the mesh fabric, e.g., by stitching, and the edges are shorter than the entire perimeter of the carrier sheet. In some embodiments, it is advantageous for the carrier sheet to be removable from the mesh fabric. To this end, for example, a removal line is provided in the sheet material of the carrier sheet, e.g., by perforations parallel to the fixed edge of the carrier sheet.

[0026] The present invention is particularly useful for diagnostic kits for disease prevention and control. In some advanced diagnostic embodiments, the carrier sheet includes diagnostic electronics. For example, the electronics may include sensors for analyzing bodily fluids, optionally after mixing with a reagent, particularly an analytical reagent. For example, the electronics may include a pH detector and / or a conductivity detector to indicate ion concentration. Alternatively, the diagnostic detector may include a light detector microarray or a camera to measure the density, transmittance, or color of the bodily fluid, optionally mixed with a reagent. The electronics may provide feedback to the user. A flat battery may be mounted on the carrier sheet to provide current to the electronics, and optionally, a flexible solar cell and any such battery for medical diagnostics may be mounted on the carrier sheet to power the electronics on the carrier sheet.

[0027] In such cases, it may be advantageous if the carrier sheet having electronic components printed on the material of said carrier sheet is removable from the mesh, for example by tearing along a perforated release line, thereby removing the functional portion of the carrier sheet from the remaining portion which remains attached to the mesh fabric.

[0028] Regarding electronic devices, it is pointed out that the development of electronic devices in recent years has led to great advances in electronic devices with thin, flat and flexible characteristics, and even display screens and push buttons for easy communication.

[0029] In some useful embodiments, the electronic device includes a speaker for instructions and feedback, which is useful for communicating with illiterate, blind, and other visually impaired individuals.

[0030] In some embodiments, the item is a biosensor system with microfluidics for measuring physiological conditions based on bodily fluids, with diagnostic results typically being visual, but optionally using electronic components.

[0031] In some embodiments, the item is a wound dressing with integrated electronics that monitors the condition of the wound as it heals and optionally transmits the condition to a smartphone for further assessment.

[0032] In some embodiments, as an option for accurate evaluation of color or density changes in diagnostic tests, a smartphone is used with a corresponding application (also called APP) programmed in the smartphone's computer.Optionally, data is exchanged wirelessly through an Internet cloud system.For evaluation, the field of view of the smartphone's built-in camera is directed to the test evaluation area, and the recorded image is evaluated by the application itself, or the recorded image is transmitted via the Internet and used by a correspondingly programmed server system.

[0033] Optionally, the carrier sheet includes at least one of the following: - Medications for malaria or other diseases (including those causing diarrhea), optionally antibiotics; - dermatological medications, such as skin creams or medicated ointments; - Dietary supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a mosquito net with a carrier sheet attached. FIG. 2 shows a removable carrier sheet with a thermometer attached. FIG. 3 shows a non-removable carrier sheet with a removable test strip attached. Figure 4 shows a carrier sheet onto which a test kit containing reagents and a swab is attached. Figure 5 shows the test kit and carrier sheet with attached reagents at the point of use. FIG. 6 shows a carrier sheet to which a blood test kit containing one or more reagents is attached. Figure 7 shows a smartphone aid for evaluating test kits. FIG. 8 shows a carrier sheet with a time lapse indicator attached. Figure 9 shows the carrier sheet with the solar cells and electronic circuitry attached. Figure 10 shows the electronics on a carrier sheet for testing and analysis.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a mosquito net 1. The mosquito net 1 has a roof 2 and side walls 3, which in this illustrated embodiment consist of upper and lower side walls 4A, 4B. Such side walls 3, with the lower part 4B made of a more durable material than the upper part 4A, are found in insecticidal mosquito nets under the trademark PermaNet 3.0®, although this is not essential to the invention and the side walls 3 may also be made of one type of material.

[0036] The mesh fabric of the mosquito net 1 is provided with a similar carrier sheet 6, along with a label 6' that is affixed, typically by stitching, to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net 1. This label 6' is a standard for providing users with information about the mosquito net and the manufacturer. As will become more apparent below, the standard of the label 6' on the mosquito net 1 can also be used to affix the carrier sheet 6 to the mesh fabric 5 for distributing functional items together with the mosquito net 1. The latter offers several distinct advantages, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] Typically, such a carrier sheet 6 has one end attached to the bottom edge 1A of the mosquito net 1. As an alternative method for fastening the carrier sheet 6 to the mesh fabric 5 of the mosquito net 1, the end of the carrier sheet 6 can be attached to another part of the mosquito net 1, such as by being sewn into the seam 1B between the upper and lower parts 4A and 4B of the side wall 3, as also shown in Figure 1.

[0038] Some types of carrier sheet 6 are permanently secured to the mesh fabric 5 and are intended to remain on the mesh fabric 5. This means that removing the carrier sheet 6 from the mesh fabric 5 by pulling or tearing it will also damage the mesh fabric 5. As noted, cutting with scissors, for example, is a method of removing a portion of the carrier sheet 6 from the mesh fabric 5, but the sewn portion of the carrier sheet 6 remains on the mesh fabric 5, and the carrier sheet 6 is not considered removable in the sense described above.

[0039] Notwithstanding the above, some carrier sheets 6 have portions that are removable from mesh fabric 5 and are intended to be removed for use. Such carrier sheets 6 are typically provided with perforated separation lines 7, as shown by the diagonal lines in FIG. 1, along which portions of carrier sheet 6 are removed from mesh fabric 5.

[0040] As will be explained in more detail below, various types of medical diagnostic functional items can be carried by such a carrier sheet 6.

[0041] By using a carrier sheet 6 with the same dimensions and handling as a regular information label, the handling of such a carrier sheet and the technique for attaching it to the mesh fabric are the same as for a standard information label, and this has the advantage that the carrier sheet equipped with the functional item according to the present invention can be easily manufactured without changing the streamlined manufacturing process of conventional mosquito nets, minimizing extra costs and labor. The latter is an important aspect because the low price of the mosquito net 1 needs to be maintained.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying a thin thermometer 8 (e.g., a printed thermometer). The thermometer carrier sheet 6 is typically attached to a mesh fabric 5 by sewing, with the thermometer portion being removable from the mesh fabric 5 along a peel-off line 7, such as a perforation shown by a diagonal line. The detached thermometer 8 can be applied to human skin to display the skin temperature. In the illustrated example, the thermometer 8 has a series of numbers indicating a range of 35°C to 42°C, which extends to both sides of the normal body temperature of 37°C. The measured temperature is displayed by highlighting the corresponding number, for example, by changing the color or brightness of the corresponding number, or by highlighting a surrounding frame 9 or area. One option is to use a thermochromic material.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a carrier sheet 6, with one carrier sheet portion 6A carrying a test strip 10 for a diagnostic test, such as a urine test, saliva test, or blood test. The test strip 10 can be removed from the carrier sheet 6, for example, by detaching the first carrier sheet portion 6A from the remaining second carrier sheet portion 6B, as shown. In this case, the second carrier sheet portion 6B remains adhered to the mesh fabric 5. After performing a test using the test strip 10, for example, by applying urine, the user can confirm the result by comparing it with various result options A, B, C, or D on the test result comparison display 15. For example, two variations indicate a positive test result, a negative test result, or an invalid test result. While only one test strip 10 is shown on the illustrated carrier sheet 6, multiple removable test strips may be attached.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying a reagent container 11 containing a reagent 12. The carrier sheet 6 additionally carries a cotton swab 13, which may be covered with plastic for hygienic reasons but is not shown here. For example, the cotton swab 13 is used to collect a sample from a user's nose or throat and then dipped into a reagent 12, which changes appearance (e.g., color) in response to a chemical reaction with nasal or throat secretions. The final mixture of secretions and reagent 12 is then applied to an application area 14. The user can subtract the test result by comparing it with a color or density scale 15, which may be supported by a level indicator 16. For hygienic reasons and to keep the application area 14 usable and clean, it is typically covered with a sealed plastic film, which must be removed to access the application area 14. For illustrative purposes, the cover is not shown here. Optionally, additional reagents may be included in the comparison application area 14 to more clearly display the test results.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a reagent container 11 containing a reagent 12 for testing bodily fluids and a ready-to-use test kit 17 held in and easily removable from a carrier sheet 6. For hygienic reasons and to maintain the usable condition of the test kit, the test kit is typically contained in a sealed plastic bag, which must be broken to remove the test kit from the carrier sheet 6. For illustrative purposes, the sealed bag is not shown here. For example, a user may drop blood into the reagent container 11, mix it with the reagent 12, and then apply the mixture to the test kit 17. The result window 18 of the test kit 17 then displays whether the test is positive for malaria. Note that similar test kits are also available for detecting COVID-19 infections using nasal or throat secretions or sexually transmitted diseases using urine.

[0046] 6 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying visual information 31. A user uses this carrier sheet 6 to deposit a drop of blood from their finger onto the test evaluation area 30, and then adds reagents from one or more reagent reservoirs 11 that cause a visible reaction in the test evaluation area 30.

[0047] Alternatively, the reagent may already be present on the test evaluation area, and only the body fluid may be applied after removing the cover film that typically covers the test evaluation area.

[0048] 7 illustrates an option for accurately assessing color or intensity changes in a diagnostic test. Specifically, it uses a smartphone 22 and a corresponding application (also called an APP) programmed into the smartphone's 22 computer. Optionally, data is exchanged by wireless communication 23 via an internet cloud system 24. For assessment, the field of view 25 of the built-in camera 26 is directed toward the test assessment area 30 on the carrier sheet 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] Figure 8 shows a time indicator 27 on the carrier sheet 6, which displays the passage of time, for example, the estimated lifespan of the insecticide on the mesh fabric 5 or the lifespan of a diagnostic kit included with the mosquito net 1. The time indicator 27 changes color or color intensity over time, making it clearly visible and easily interpretable by the user.

[0050] 9 shows a carrier sheet 6 carrying flexible electronics, such as printed electronic circuits 29, and optionally solar cells 28 for powering the electronic circuits 29. It may also optionally carry a flexible battery. For example, the electronics may be printed on a flexible substrate, which is then attached to the flexible carrier sheet 6, or printed directly onto the flexible carrier sheet material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic film for stability. To use the solar cells 28 separately from the mosquito net 1, the corresponding portion of the carrier sheet 6 may be made removable from the mesh fabric 5 by means of peel lines 7.

[0051] The electronic circuit 29 on the carrier sheet 6 is suitable for medical diagnostic applications, an example of which is shown in FIG. 10 , which is a cross-sectional view of an electronic circuit 29 used in diagnostic test analysis. The electronic circuit 29 is electrically connected to a visual detection unit 33, such as a single photodiode for color detection. Alternatively, the visual detection unit 33 may comprise an array of photodiodes, e.g., in the form of a microcamera, optionally including a lens for spatial resolution. The visual detection unit 33 is configured to detect the appearance of a test sample 34 of bodily fluid applied to the test evaluation area 30 on the cover sheet 32, typically after mixing with a reagent. A detection signal from the visual detection unit 33 is transmitted to the electronic circuit 29. The electronic circuit 29 is advantageously programmed to perform an analysis of the signal from the visual detection unit 33. This may include evaluating a color change or color intensity due to a reagent, or evaluating the intensity and / or reflectance of the test sample.

[0052] To facilitate evaluation of the test sample 34, an optional light emitter 35, such as a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light at a test-specific wavelength, illuminates the test sample 34 and is then captured by the visual detection unit 33. This method also allows for fluorescence measurements of the test sample 34.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, a probe 36 may be provided to measure physical and / or chemical properties of the bodily fluid 34 in the diagnostic test area 30. For example, the probe 36 may be used to measure conductivity. Advantageously, the system includes a combination of a visual detector 33 and a probe 36.

[0054] Optionally, the electronic circuitry 29 is connected to a visual indicator 37, such as a multi-colored diode, to provide feedback to the user.

[0055] Optionally, a push button 38 is provided for the user to switch on the electronic circuitry 29 for testing and for communication from the user to the electronic circuitry 29 .

[0056] All of the above-mentioned carrier sheets 6 are made of flexible materials to prevent them from peeling off from the mesh fabric 5.

Claims

1. 1. A combination of a carrier sheet (6) and a mosquito net (1), wherein the mosquito net (1) comprises a mesh fabric (5) formed as a canopy to cover a bedding area and protect people from insects, the carrier sheet (6) is made of a flexible sheet material, such as fabric or film, and has portions, such as edges, that are sewn to the mesh fabric (5), the carrier sheet (6) carrying a functional item, the functional item being a medical diagnostic functional item for a diagnostic test, configured to display the test result of the medical diagnosis by the diagnostic test.

2. 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a reagent (12) for a diagnostic test when the reagent (12) is mixed with a human body fluid, the carrier sheet (6) having an application area (14) on its surface for applying and evaluating a mixture of the body fluid and reagent of the diagnostic test, and is configured to provide a visible test result after the body fluid mixed with the reagent is applied onto the application area (14).

3. 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the carrier sheet (6) is provided with a comparison display portion (15) having different colors or densities as indicators of different results of the diagnostic test, so that a user can compare the color or densities of the mixture of reagent and body fluid with those of the comparison display portion (15) and determine the test result of the diagnostic test based on the comparison.

4. 4. The combination according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the test reagents (12) are contained in a reagent container (11) for mixing with the body fluid before the body fluid is applied together with the reagents onto the application area (14).

5. 4. The combination of claim 2 or 3, wherein the carrier sheet (6) carries a removable test strip (10) having the reagent (12) and configured to display the result of a diagnostic test after exposure to a body fluid such as urine, and the carrier sheet (6) is provided with a comparative display portion (15) having a display portion that displays different results of the diagnostic test, to help a user evaluate the test result on the strip (10) by comparing it with the comparative display portion (15).

6. 4. The combination of claim 2 or 3, wherein the functional item comprises an electronic circuit (29) and a visual detection unit (33) electronically connected to the electronic circuit (29), the visual detection unit (33) being provided in the application area (14) for detecting the color or thickness of a mixture of the reagent and the body fluid and transmitting a corresponding electronic signal to the electronic circuit (29), the electronic circuit (29) being programmed to evaluate the received electronic signal and, based on the evaluation, provide a test result as test feedback to the user.

7. 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the electronic circuitry includes a visual display (37) for providing feedback to a user about the test results.

8. 8. The combination according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the functional items on the carrier sheet (6) include a flexible solar cell (28) for powering the electronic circuit (29).

9. 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the functional item is a flexible thermometer (8) provided on the carrier sheet (6) and configured to be detachably placed on human skin, the thermometer (8) comprising a temperature display (9) for indicating the body temperature measured thereby.

10. 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the carrier sheet (6) has a peripheral edge, and only a portion of the edge, shorter than the peripheral edge, is attached to the mesh fabric.

11. 11. The combination of claim 10, wherein a portion of the edge is attached to the mesh fabric (5) by stitching.

12. 12. The combination according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a portion (6A) of the carrier sheet (6) is removable from the mesh fabric (5) by removing it along a peel line (7).

13. 13. The combination according to claim 12, wherein the peel line (7) comprises perforations for easy removal.

14. 14. A method for producing and transporting the combination according to any one of claims 1 to 13 from a manufacturing site to an end-user location, the method comprising: providing the functional items on a flexible carrier sheet (6) made of fabric or film; and attaching only edge regions of the carrier sheet (6), but not the entire edge, to a mesh fabric (5) of a mosquito net (1) to form a carrier sheet (6) on the mesh fabric (5); the dimensions of the carrier sheet (6) are at least one order of magnitude smaller than the dimensions of the mesh fabric (5); the method further comprises: attaching the carrier sheet (6) with the attached functional items to the mesh fabric (5) so that the mesh fabric (5) provides a shock-absorbing and heat-insulating layer around the functional items, and then wrapping and packaging the carrier sheet (6) and the functional items with the mesh fabric (5), and sending the combination of the mosquito net and the carrier sheet with the functional items in the wrapped state from the manufacturing site to the end-user location.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the functional item is a diagnostic functional item configured for disease diagnosis.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the functional item is a diagnostic test kit comprising reagents adapted to be mixed with a bodily fluid to provide an indication of a disease.

17. Use of a combination according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 for providing an end user with a test kit for diagnosing malaria.

Images