Long Lasting Impregnated Net Plant Launched in Bangladesh

BASF Grameen Limited, a social business joint venture between BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, and Grameen Healthcare Trust of Bangladesh, can now source from a local production plant located in Social Business Industrial Park in Sarabo, the plant owned and operated by Grameen Fabrics & Fashions Limited, will manufacture long lasting insecticide impregnated nets under the brand name Interceptor® that can prevent malaria infections effectively. These nets will be marketed by BASF Grameen Limited.
 
The plant was inaugurated at the hands of Nobel Laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus and Mrs. Saori Dubourg, President Asia Pacific, BASF, at a public function held at the plant premises.
 
In his opening remarks, Professor Yunus said, “Social business is a non-dividend company to solve a specific social problem. We are very happy that BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, has come forward to set up a social business in Bangladesh to reduce the incidence of malaria in Bangladesh. This joint venture will inspire other companies to come forward to create social business. I invite every company, big or small, to create a small social business company along with their existing company.”
 
Speaking about this milestone achievement, Saori Dubourg said, “BASF Grameen combines BASF’s social commitment with an innovative business model to improve healthcare for the people of Bangladesh. Health hazards from malaria remain a serious concern. With its products BASF can make a significant contribution to fight malaria. This is why this first local LLIN production facility will manufacture coated mosquito bed nets that offer effective protection against mosquitoes for several years.”
 
BASF Grameen Limited was formed in 2009 to improve the health and business opportunities of the poor of Bangladesh, who would not have had this possibility on their own. The Interceptor® mosquito nets are the first product of this venture which aims to reduce insect-borne diseases, thus contributing to achieve key U. N. Millennium Development Goals related to health.
 
The mosquito nets produced by the joint venture are coated with a BASF product, the insecticide Fendona® (active ingredient: alpha-cypermethrin). The net remains effective against mosquitoes for several years. It thus meets the World Health Organization (WHO) requirements for a "Long lasting insecticide impregnated net" (LLIN). According to the WHO, the protection provided by these nets against the mainly night-active vector mosquitoes is the most effective means of preventing malaria infections. The nets can retain their properties for up to 20 washes depending on local conditions.