The University of Notre Dame and Unitaid have announced groundbreaking results from a trial of a new vector control tool, Mosquito Shield, which significantly reduced malaria infections. Published in The Lancet, the study revealed a 33.4% reduction in first-time infections and a 32.1% decrease in overall infections when used alongside insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
This marks the first major demonstration of the impact spatial repellents can have in combating malaria, paving the way for potential World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for a new class of vector control tools.
“This is a powerful result,” said Dr. Bernard Nahlen, director of Notre Dame’s Eck Institute for Global Health. “A one-third reduction in transmission on top of mosquito nets could save tens of thousands of lives annually.”
The trial, conducted in Busia County, Kenya—a region with high malaria transmission despite widespread use of treated nets—showcased the efficacy of Mosquito Shield. Developed by SC Johnson, the product emits an active ingredient from a wall-mounted device to repel and immobilize mosquitoes. Researchers estimate it could prevent 60 malaria infections per 100 people annually.
Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid, described the trial as a “major advance in malaria control,” emphasizing its potential to become the first new vector control tool in decades.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health has already incorporated spatial repellents into its national malaria strategy, developing guidelines for their rollout. “People in high-burden areas urgently need new tools,” said Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General of KEMRI.
The trial was part of the AEGIS project, led by Notre Dame, with ongoing studies in Mali and Sri Lanka to assess the product’s impact on malaria and dengue. The WHO requires evidence from trials in two distinct settings for a recommendation, and the Kenya study fulfills one of these requirements.
As reported by medicalxpress, this innovation offers hope for further reducing malaria transmission in high-burden regions and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling global health challenges.