Syngenta Arms Countries with Innovative Technologies for Battling Malaria-Transmitting Mosquitoes
Pesky mosquitoes, which Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) fight during the summer months, jeopardize more than homeowners’ summer fun in developing countries around the globe. For many people, mosquitoes pose a frightening health threat. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated there were approximately 216 million cases of the mosquito-transmitted disease malaria. These cases resulted in approximately 655,000 deaths1. Syngenta knows many countries are at high risk for malaria transmission and has made it part of its mission to protect health and quality of life around the world. This means not only controlling nuisance pests, but also playing a leading role in the prevention of malaria transmission through its portfolio of mosquito-control products and partnership with control programs worldwide.
“Malaria, dengue fever and similar diseases are transferred by mosquitoes and affect some of the most disadvantaged communities around the world, which can lead to mortality, morbidity and reduced economic development,” says Mark Birchmore, head of marketing for Syngenta Lawn and Garden. “At Syngenta, we believe it is our responsibility to help prevent these diseases by controlling dangerous pests with innovative technologies.”
To support global efforts against malaria and other insects that transmit human disease, Syngenta offers specific insecticide brands that are proven to be effective controls for malaria-transmitting insects. This Vector Control portfolio includes indoor residual sprays and insecticide treatments for mosquito nets that are approved by the World Health Organization for malaria control. Powered by the same iCAP technology™ as Demand® CS insecticide, these products were the first to incorporate micro-encapsulation technology to achieve new standards of safety and performance for residual control of mosquitoes. Since being launched in 2007, the Syngenta insecticide brands have protected millions of households through the safe treatment of homes against malaria mosquitoes.
Syngenta reinforces these brands with an integrated approach to vector management, which includes education on mosquito-control programs and training in safe, effective application. Tailored to senior officials from governments, the WHO and other key malaria stakeholders, Syngenta hosts an academy, which offers training and tools that can sustainably reduce the burden of malaria through effective prevention. Based on a modular system of education and training, the program can be customized and applied to support the use of the Syngenta insecticide portfolio according to a specific country’s needs.
“The Academy shows the commitment of Syngenta to ensure malaria-control programs deliver their promises of impact and disease reduction through safe and effective vector control,” says Birchmore. “Ensuring consistent awareness and coordination amongst key stakeholders is essential to running a well-planned and efficient vector-control program, alongside training field technicians in insecticide application.”
In further efforts to battle malaria, Syngenta has recently developed and launched a new insecticide to help control pyrethroid-resistant, malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa. For the past 30 years, the world has been relying on the same four classes of insecticide chemistry to fight mosquitoes, but pyrethroids are by far the most used, especially on mosquito nets where they are the only chemistry class available. Consequently, despite huge progress being made against malaria, pyrethroid resistance threatens the effectiveness of mosquito control and alternative products are urgently needed to provide new tools for resistance management. Developed with the support of the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this new insecticide will provide a long-lasting, practical and effective solution to the growing problem of pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes. Traditional non-pyrethroid formulations are typically only effective for two to three months when applied as a spray. This means that in areas of year-round malaria transmission, multiple applications could be required every year, which can be costly.
“When developing this latest brand, Syngenta worked hard to formulate a product that would control pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes and last significantly longer than current treatments,” explains Birchmore. “Syngenta’s expertise in micro-encapsulated formulations was essential for this project and now iCAP technology is helping prevent malaria in Africa through multiple insecticide brands. Syngenta now offers a new tool for resistance management which is already being deployed in Ghana where all other insecticides are failing.”
Efforts from companies like Syngenta have helped decrease malaria mortality rates by more than 25 percent globally since 2000 and by 33 percent in the WHO African Region, but unfortunately the disease is still a severe threat.
“Malaria is preventable,” emphasizes Birchmore. “And Syngenta is proud of the efforts it has made to help prevent this disease through technology and education. Obviously, however, the fight is not over as the mosquitoes evolve in this constant battleground. Continuing to research and develop new solutions with our partners across the globe is essential for preventing the nuisance and the dangers of mosquitoes. We are now working hard to find the next new generation of insecticides for mosquito control, and excitingly, some of these will also be of interest for PMPs.”
(1) http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en/
To learn more about the global pest control efforts of Syngenta, please visit www.syngenta.com.
©2012 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Please check with your state or local Extension Service before buying or using Syngenta products. Demand®, iCAP technology™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. |