Giving people a peaceful sleep without fear of malaria

Efforts to eradicate malaria

Malaria, which is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, is one of the most dreaded infectious diseases in Africa along with HIV-AIDS. Malaria is a serious disease, often leading to death within about three weeks after infection. Each year, some 350 to 500 million people contract the disease and more than a million die.

To contribute to the eradication of Malaria, Sumitomo Corporation participates in the Roll Back Malaria campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations.

Some 20 years ago, the Japanese Government assisted a malaria control program that centered on insecticide spraying. While this program was ongoing, incidence of the disease did decrease. But the infection rate rose again when the spraying was stopped, leading to calls for more effective prevention measures.

Insecticide-treated mosquito net that remains effective for five years

In recent times, mosquito nets treated with insecticide have been adopted as the main tool to combat malaria. This method is not only sustainable, but helps promote local people's self-help efforts, which was not the case with insecticide spraying. In line with the program's objectives, the Roll Back Malaria campaign has adopted "insecticide blended mosquito nets" developed by a Japanese manufacturer. Insecticide is incorporated into its fibers, so it retains much of its efficacy for over five years, even with repeated washing.

Sumitomo Corporation has supported sales of this mosquito net, supplying more than 10 million pieces so far. Since many countries are further enhancing their national anti-malaria programs, the company expects further increases in supply, with annual orders of more than 100 million units forecast.

When a physically weak person is bitten by the malaria vector anopheles, it may cause a persistent high fever, and even lead to death. Infants and elderly people, in particular, are afraid of going to sleep at night, fearing they may get bitten by a mosquito. However, with this economical, long-lasting mosquito net, people can protect themselves against mosquito, and have a peaceful night's sleep.

Encouraging independence and promoting empowerment at the local level

On November 11, 2010, which was proclaimed Malaria Day by the Southern African Development Community, an event was organized in Angola to distribute mosquito nets to local people. Under the leadership of Sumitomo Corporation, the specific area in which the event was organized was decided in cooperation with the Angolan Ministry of Health’s National Malaria Control Programme. The mosquito nets were donated by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Although mosquito nets have become widespread thanks to the efforts of international organizations, there remain a significant number of areas where they are not common. Angola is one of the countries where the risk of epidemic malaria remains high, reaching up to 96%.

On the day of the event, people who had lined up to receive the mosquito nets watched with interest a demonstration on how to use them correctly. The event also contributed to spreading awareness of the importance of self protection.

In a related event, in nearby Madagascar we distributed locally printed booklets explaining the correct way to use mosquito nets. It is expected that ensuring more people know how to use the nets properly will help cut infection rates.

Sumitomo will plan further activities to promote the widespread use of mosquito nets in other countries.

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