Madagascar distributes insecticide diffusers to fight malaria
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The Malagasy Ministry of Public Health and the US government began distributing 100,000 insecticide diffusers in five communes within the Menabe region of Madagascar.
The ten-day campaign, launched in Morondava, aims to protect roughly 120,000 residents across Analaiva, Befasy, Belo-sur-Mer, Bemanonga, and Marofandia. Health officials targeted these communes because the Menabe region is a hotspot for malaria, recording 141,849 cases in 2023, making it the fifth-highest of Madagascar’s 23 regions.
The diffusers release insecticide into the air to repel and kill mosquitoes inside homes and can provide protection for up to a year. Madagascar is one of six countries testing this method, which is supported by the US President’s Malaria Initiative through the PMI Evolve project. Allison Belemvire, a public health advisor with the US State Department, emphasized that the diffusers are not meant to replace existing malaria prevention tools like insecticide-treated bed nets.
She urged people to continue sleeping under their nets every night. After the distribution, health teams will prepare for another round of indoor residual spraying in Menabe and Vakinankaratra regions. A six-month evaluation will determine whether to expand the diffuser program to other districts.
