The recent WHO Malaria Report 2018 flagged another stalling in the progress towards elimination of the disease, in part due to development of insecticide resistance in vector mosquitoes to current preventative solutions. There is therefore an urgent need to maintain investment into innovation for malaria vector control; to develop new modes of action but also to implement strategies which ensure their sustainability. Fludora Fusion, the first product of its kind to combine different modes of action, is a prime example of one such strategy.
“We are very proud to have achieved WHO Pre-Qualification for Fludora Fusion; it reflects our long-term commitment towards supporting the elimination of vector-borne diseases”, explains Dr. Jacqueline M. Applegate, Head of the Environmental Science business unit at Bayer. “It is a clear example of our focus on applying science to advance life malaria control programs will now have access to an additional safe, efficient and cost-effective solution to protect the millions at risk from the disease.”
Malaria is a disease which still has a devastating impact on families and communities particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The control of Anopheline mosquitoes with insecticide treated bed-nets and residual insecticides applied inside dwellings is the cornerstone of malaria prevention with 4 in every 5 of the 663 million malaria cases averted between 2000 and 2015 due to the use of such interventions.
As part of the ongoing investment into vector control product development, over the last four years Bayer has supported field trials with Fludora Fusion across 15 countries, tested it against more than a dozen resistant mosquito strains, assessed it on more than 20 different surface types and worked with more than a dozen different research institutes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data demonstrates that Fludora Fusion provides robust and consistent results, matching the needs of malaria control programs across Africa. 16 national registration approvals have already been obtained to allow use in these countries.
Emmanuel Hakizimana, Director of the Vector Control Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Center Division of Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases, reinforces this position: “We have tested Fludora Fusion in our country and seen impressive results. It promises to be a cost-effective solution which will allow us to increase coverage and protect communities for the entire annual malaria transmission period. In addition to various operational benefits, the Fludora Fusion combination approach is a very welcome addition to our choices to tackle resistant mosquitoes and therefore boosts our efforts to reduce malaria in Rwanda.”
The UK based Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) also supported a number of the trials and continues to play an important role partnering with industry in product development to tackle malaria, as well as galvanizing broader advocacy and commitment such as the ‘Zero by 40’ initiative launched in 2018.
Nick Hamon, CEO of IVCC, said: “We were happy to have been able to support part of the Fludora Fusion trial program and to see this milestone achieved. New vector control tools are desperately needed to combat resistance and this is another positive addition to the toolbox.”
Fludora Fusion is one important new solution which will contribute to the fight against malaria. In addition, Bayer continues to invest in the development of other tools in order to ensure continued impact against vector-borne diseases and to improve the quality of life of those at risk.
