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Spatial Repellent Manufacturing Plant Launched in Major Step toward Malaria Eradication.

The Ag. Director General Prof Elijah Songok and Chairman and CEO SC Johnson Mr. Fisk Johnson pose for a photo with other delegates.

In anticipation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) endorsement on spatial repellants, KEMRI team led by Ag. DG Prof. Elijah Songok joined SC Johnson on 31st January 2025 at Baba Dogo, Nairobi County at the launch of the first manufacturing plant in East Africa dedicated to producing spatial repellents.

This comes after a study conducted by the KEMRI and partners in the Advancing the Evidence for Global Implementation of Spatial Repellents (AEGIS) Consortium demonstrated that spatial repellents can significantly reduce the risk of malaria infection. The research revealed a 33.4% decrease in first-time malaria infections and a 32.1% reduction in the overall rate of new infections, highlighting the potential of spatial repellants in combating Malaria. The trial provides the first evidence of a demonstrative spatial repellent protective efficacy in reducing risk of malaria infection in an African setting characterized by high malaria transmission, pyrethroid resistant malaria vectors, and high coverage of insecticide treated nets.

Mr. Fisk Johnson making his remarks at the launch.
Mr. Fisk Johnson unveiling the SC Johnson manufacturing plaque.

 The WHO Vector Control Advisory Group has officially ratified the results of the study on spatial repellents, titled ‘‘Effect of a spatial repellent on malaria incidence in an area of western Kenya characterized by high malaria transmission, insecticide resistance, and universal coverage of insecticide treated nets a cluster randomized, controlled trial,), declaring them a proven tool for public health in the fight against malaria.”

 Notably, this study is the first of two required for a formal WHO recommendation. That notwithstanding, WHO has convened to review the evidence from the study and other studies with similar results in the hope for an interim recommendation, before the end of 2025, potentially accelerating the deployment of spatial repellents in malaria-endemic areas.

“This research showcases KEMRI’s role as a leader in developing practical solutions to protect public health in Kenya and across Africa. We’re proud to be at the forefront of innovations that save lives,” remarked DG Prof. Songok.

On his part, Dr. Eric Ochomo who is the PI of the study stated, “It is truly thrilling to see the work we have done move from research to production. Together, we are providing solutions that protect people from vector-borne diseases.”

The initiative marks a significant step toward scaling up access to this life-saving intervention that will greatly contribute to the national efforts on ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

So far, the repellents have been successfully rolled out in Budalangi, Busia County, with plans underway to expand their use to Turkana County.

Also present at the launch was SC Johnson CEO and Chairman, Mr. Fisk Johnson and partners from End Malaria Council and African Leaders Malaria Alliance.

Prof Songok engaging with Ambassador Anthony Okara, Senior Advisor African leaders Malaria Alliance; Dr. Willis Akhwale and Managing Director Mimosa Pharmacy Limited; Mr. Christopher Getonga.
Delegates, invited guests and SC Johnson staff during the Launch.

The study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02754-5/abstract

The WHO’s endorsement, detailed in a recent report https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/378080/9789240096677-eng.pdf

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