How can we meet the target of reducing global malaria case incidence by 90% or more by 2030?
As we mark World Malaria Day 2023, it is important to reflect on the progress made in the fight against malaria and the tools that have been instrumental in achieving this goal. Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, with the right tools and strategies, we can work towards a world free of malaria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), and estimate 619,000 people died from Malaria in 2021, with 96% of these deaths in the African region. Nearly 80% of malaria deaths in the African Region were among children under the age of 5.
The world is not on track to reach 2 critical targets of the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030:
- reducing global malaria case incidence by 90% or more by 2030; and
- reducing the global malaria mortality rate by 90% or more by 2030.
This worrying analysis has led the WHO to mark this World Malaria day a ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement’. In light of the significant burden in Africa, it is critical that we continue to prioritize malaria control efforts there.
By investing in new innovations, we can find solutions to the challenges that are growing in urgency, including increased insecticide resistance, and growing populations of Anopheles stephensi in urban areas of Africa. New technologies and treatments are also imperative to helping eradicate malaria from the world.
But we must also implement the strategies we have now. There is an urgent need to make more effective use of available tools and strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria, particularly among the poorest and unreached populations. Ensuring people have access to, and know about, the resources we know can help will bring down the burden even further. A multi-faceted approach is necessary to effectively control and eliminate malaria.
One of the most effective tools in the fight against malaria is the use of repellents. Repellents work by creating a barrier between mosquitoes and humans, preventing them from biting and transmitting the malaria parasite. The use of repellents is particularly important in areas where malaria is endemic and where mosquito populations are high, protecting people on-the-go, wherever they are, from mosquito bites. If you don’t get bit, you don’t get sick!
This means that repellents need to meet users’ key expectations: convenience - a high efficacy - high safety - and affordability.
That is what LivFul provides with its STAYTEC® repellent lotions. STAYTEC® is LivFul’s patented control-release technology. It enables the release of the active ingredient IR3535® over 14 hours -That’s longer than a full night’s protection from one application!
STAYTEC® is also designed to limit the active repelling ingredient penetration of the skin: enabling the full quantity of IR3535® to be used and not “wasted”, increasing safety. The patented technology contributes to the formulation of a soft emulsion with a skin neutral pH. After a smooth and pleasant application, the lotion virtually disappears, leaving an invisible protection that is not sticky, greasy or smelly.
At LivFul, we are determined to enable everyone to access our next-generation insect repellent, creating opportunities to transform the world we live in. It’s ingrained in our vision and mission, and we bring innovative solutions to populations where they will make the most impact. We want to see everyone live free, live well, and live to their full potential. This can only work when we are building up the lowest sections of the wealth pyramid, to ensure that everyone has access to health innovations that make a difference in their life.
Partner with us to transform lives together – bringing full L.I.F.E. to a billion people a day.
IR3535® is a trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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