US-Backed Innovation Introduces New Malaria Prevention Technology in Sierra Leone
Aaron Parker The United States Government, in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, has commenced the deployment of a new mosquito protection technology in Bonthe and Tonkolili districts as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against malaria.
The initiative is being implemented through the US-funded PMI Evolve Project, which has introduced Guardian spatial emanators, a new malaria prevention tool developed by American company SC Johnson.
Guardian is designed to help protect people from mosquito bites and complement the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, providing an additional layer of protection against malaria transmission.
According to the US Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone is among the first six countries globally to deploy the technology, with the initial rollout taking place in five chiefdoms across Bonthe and Tonkolili districts.
The deployment is part of broader efforts to introduce innovative malaria prevention measures and strengthen public health protection in the country.
The US Government is also partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to support an impact evaluation of the intervention. The assessment is expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the technology and help guide decisions on its possible expansion to other communities.
The initiative highlights ongoing cooperation between the United States and Sierra Leone in promoting health security, introducing innovative prevention tools and reducing the burden of malaria.
