Standard Chartered Bank

Why is Standard Chartered involved in NetsforLife®?

Standard Chartered has identified four key areas in which our core business can assist sustainable economic development: namely our governance, environment, social and economic contribution in our markets.

The Bank’s community programmes are part of our social contribution to our African markets, and we believe that commitment to programmes such as NetsforLife® can strengthen the relationships between our customers and local communities.

The NetsforLife® Programme

In February 2006, Standard Chartered committed USD $1 million to the NetsforLife® programme to distribute one million Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) to 15 African countries over three years.

Standard Chartered has a physical presence in eight of these countries and the Bank’s Country Managers and staff played an active part in the programme, engaging with both local Episcopal Relief & Development representatives and donors. We have also been instrumental in setting up robust governance structures around the programme and are represented on all key governance committees.

Phase 1: A Resounding Success

The initial three year programme for NetsforLife® Phase 1 has been a resounding success.

By the end of September 2008 over one million nets were distributed to 14 countries throughout Africa, nearly 6,000 malaria agents were trained and 12,000 children’s lives were saved. Monitoring and evaluation has been initiated in all countries which are independently verified.

The goal: 7 million nets

The second phase of NetsforLife®,which started at the end of 2008, is a much more ambitious programme. The goal for NetsforLife® is to raise USD $50 million and distribute a minimum of seven  million LLITNs by 2013. 

On 23 May 2008, Standard Chartered signed an agreement with Episcopal Relief & Development, committing a total of US $5 million. The Bank has also pledged to continue its staff engagement, training employees as malaria agents and encouraging them to assist in distribution and education locally.

In Phase 2,  NetsforLife® has added two countries to its program where Standard Chartered is present: Sierra Leone and Guinea. After consultation with the World Health Organisation, NetsforLife® will extend its coverage from the most vulnerable people to 90% coverage in the target countries.