Results from the field trial of Guardian™ spatial repellent emanator have been published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, which adds to the growing evidence for the use of this vector control tool in humanitarian settings.
MENTOR has for many years led the piloting and testing of innovative tools to protect people and prevent diseases in humanitarian contexts. In these settings, relying on one vector control tool is often not suitable and can cost lives. Logistical, access and security challenges pose significant barriers to implementing quality, high coverage vector control.
Addressing these gaps requires an integrated vector control approach but also, innovative tailored tools to fit specific shelters and remain effective in conditions typical of displaced persons camps.
Long-lasting spatial emanators have been proven to reduce malaria incidence in stable settings but its efficacy in humanitarian settings required adequate assessment. This study that took place in displacement camps in Borno State, Nigeria in 2023, shows that during the six-month follow-up camps using spatial emanators had a significant reduction in malaria infection incidence compared with control camps (incidence rate ratio 0.713, p=0.001) – about 30% fewer infections overall.
Children in intervention camps had a lower risk of getting their first malaria infection during the study period (hazard ratio 0.775), equivalent to about 22.5% protective efficacy.
Spatial emanators were also found to be highly accepted by communities using them, strengthening the growing evidence for the public health value of this tool in humanitarian settings.
“The importance of this type of study cannot be overstated as millions of people are still at high risk of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Growing humanitarian crises, climate change and mass displacement of people are creating conditions where traditional vector control tools are often not effective or suitable. Having a new, effective tool to strengthen the toolbox is potentially a game changer in reaching millions of people with life-saving disease control.” – Richard Allan OBE, PhD, Chair of the Board, The MENTOR Initiative.
Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/eH4ASYWf
MENTOR is grateful to everyone who participated in the study, the Borno State Ministry of Health, the study team and authors.
Caption: Shelters in one of the IDP camps in Maiduguri where the trial of SC Johnson’s second-generation spatial repellent took place.