Arysta, Chemtura partner in the fight against malaria

Date:06-12-2012

Malaria remains the single most important mosquito-borne disease, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that some 700 million people are at risk of malaria in Africa. Annually, there are some 250 million cases of this disease worldwide with approximately 1 million deaths, mostly of children or other vulnerable individuals. In sub-Saharan Africa, the disease is endemic and the majority of deaths (90%) occur in Africa.

The disease, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, is caused by the plasmodium parasite that first infects the liver and then the red blood cells. If not fatal, it is a debilitating disease and its presence is a major limiting factor in the economic development of many African countries (it is estimated to cost USD 12 billion in direct costs and many times more in lost economic growth).

In recent years, the widespread adoption of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLIN’s) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) have proved effective in combatting this disease. This solution is not without problems, not least of which is that resistance to the existing chemicals used in these interventions is reducing the efficacy of LLINs. In addition, it appears that there is an increase in the amount of transmission as a result of outdoor biting, which cannot be controlled by LLINs. Finally, a number of countries have announced an intention to eliminate malaria entirely. This ambitious goal cannot be accomplished, however, without the use of other control measures such as larviciding.

Arysta LifeScience, with its excellent footprint in Africa, its dedicated Public Health team, and its existing partnerships with Syngenta for distribution of their Vector control products and Micronair for their sprayers, is an ideal partner for Chemtura and their larvicide Dimilin.

"Dimilin, a diflubenzuron-based product, is an insect growth regulator fully approved by the World Health Organisation Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) for use as a larvicide insecticide in both clean and heavily polluted water, as well as in drinking and containerized water,” said Luigi Avella, Market Development Manager for Chemtura AgroSolutions.

John Barnes, CEO of Europe, Africa, Middle East for Arysta LifeScience, says that this partnership will provide Arysta LifeScience with a total solution for its partners involved in the fight against malaria and thus make Arysta LifeScience the partner of choice for all Ministries of Health and other organisations involved in the control of this disease.