The Director of NGO Affairs in Sierra Leone, Eric Massally, has commended the Save Africa from Malaria Infection (SAFMI) for its innovative and sustainable approach to malaria prevention through the breeding of mosquito-eating fish, locally known as gumbi fish.

Mr. Massally made the remarks during a guided tour of SAFMI’s newly established facility at 8 Walpole Street, Freetown, which now serves as a central hub for breeding and research. The facility also employs and trains several Sierra Leoneans in fish breeding and care, creating both health and employment benefits.

Visibly impressed with the facility’s operations, Mr. Massally praised SAFMI for what he described as a “wonderful and preventive initiative,” urging that the program be replicated across districts.

“This is a preventive approach that can transform our fight against malaria,” he said. “I will ensure that local communities are involved, as their acceptance and participation are key to sustaining the project. I also encourage that students be engaged so this knowledge can even form part of our educational curriculum.”

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He pledged to include the SAFMI initiative in his upcoming district-level engagements across six regions and promised to begin awareness campaigns to promote malaria prevention through fish breeding.

In his statement, Artem Volchenko, Chief Executive Officer of SAFMI, explained that the Save Africa Foundation (SAFMI) formally established in November 2024 aims to eradicate malaria in Africa, beginning with Sierra Leone.

Volchenko said Sierra Leone was chosen due to its high malaria infection rates and the government’s openness to innovative interventions. SAFMI’s approach utilizes gambusia fish, a species known for its ability to consume up to 100 mosquito larvae daily and survive in various water conditions.

The fish are bred and distributed in specially designed water tanks placed in schools, hospitals, mosques, and rural communities across the country. These tanks are maintained weekly or bi-weekly, either by local caretakers or SAFMI’s maintenance teams.

Volchenko highlighted that within just six months of operation in 2024, SAFMI’s efforts led to a reduction of 50,000 malaria cases in targeted areas between 2023 and 2024. With ongoing expansion, an even greater reduction is expected in 2025.

“All our services including the tanks, fish, and food are provided free of charge,” he emphasized. “We operate on a non-profit model because our mission is to save lives, not to make money.”

He projected that Freetown could become malaria-free within three to five years, with future expansion planned for Kenema, Bo, and Makeni, where SAFMI intends to establish self-sustaining fish farms.

Adding to Volchenko’s remarks, Alhaji Dauda, a senior representative of SAFMI, elaborated on the project’s community training component, which focuses on empowering local residents to care for the fish and maintain the tanks.

Each community or institution identifies a responsible individual who receives training on:

Proper fish handling,

Water changing and tank cleaning procedures,

Feeding schedules and maintenance routines.

“The goal is for fish care to become part of everyday life,” Dauda explained. “We want people to remember to feed the fish just as they remember to drink their morning coffee.”

Addressing SAFMI staff and stakeholders, Director Massally reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support the initiative, promising close collaboration with SAFMI to scale the program nationally.

He underscored the importance of preventive healthcare, stressing that “prevention is better than cure.” Massally further noted that malaria prevention has long-term health benefits and could significantly reduce the national disease burden.

“By promoting innovative, community-based solutions, we can build self-sufficiency, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and save lives,” he added.

The event, attended by representatives from the National Malaria Control Programme, members of the press, and SAFMI staff, concluded with a tour of the facility’s breeding and research sections.

With growing recognition from government and health authorities, SAFMI’s gumbi fish initiative stands as a groundbreaking step toward a malaria-free Sierra Leone, combining science, community engagement, and sustainable development