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The Save Africa from Malaria Infection (SAFMI) Foundation, led by Executive Director Artem Volchenko, has launched a significant initiative to combat malaria in Freetown by distributing over one hundred artificial fish ponds to local hospitals and communities.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, received a warm reception from community stakeholders and management of various Community Health Centers in the Western Area of Freetown.
Under the direction of SAFMI’s Country Coordinator, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, and Board Member Vitali Ginsburg, the foundation’s dedicated team of volunteers facilitated the distribution and installation of water tanks stocked with Gambusia Affinis—mosquito-eating fish known for their effectiveness in controlling mosquito larvae.
During the presentation of the fish ponds, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura highlighted the dual impact of the project. “This initiative not only serves as a practical measure to reduce mosquito populations but also functions as an educational tool to raise awareness about malaria prevention,” he stated. Bangura emphasized that the Gambusia Affinis fish are highly efficient, capable of consuming up to 300 mosquito larvae within minutes, thus offering a biological solution to malaria control.
Bangura further elaborated that the project represents SAFMI’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. “By deploying these fish in strategic water bodies around Freetown, we aim to significantly reduce the spread of malaria, a disease that continues to pose a serious health threat in Sierra Leone,” he added.
As part of the project, SAFMI has also trained local volunteers on the management and maintenance of the fish ponds. The foundation is focusing on educating communities about the benefits of this biological method in malaria prevention. The success of this program in Freetown is expected to pave the way for its expansion to other regions within Sierra Leone and potentially to other African countries.
Community Health Officers expressed their gratitude for the donation. Hindolo Musa, Senior Community Health Officer at the Dwarzark Community Health Center, thanked SAFMI for the timely intervention, noting that malaria is highly prevalent in their area. Similarly, Mariatu Sankoh of the Lumley Community Health Center described the donation as a life-saving gesture and pledged that the community would make good use of the fish ponds.
With malaria remaining a leading cause of illness and death across Africa, SAFMI’s initiative is a critical step in the fight against this deadly disease. By leveraging the natural predation habits of Gambusia Affinis, SAFMI is making a substantial impact on malaria control efforts in Sierra Leone.
