A novel passive emanator using transfluthrin for reducing mosquito-human contact indoors and outdoors. Effective against both resistant and susceptible malaria and arbovirus vectors, it optimizes mosquito control interventions.
The free-standing transfluthrin passive emanator (FTPE) is a cutting-edge solution designed to mitigate mosquito-human contact and control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, Dengue fever, and Zika. This innovation leverages transfluthrin, a chemical known for its efficacy in repelling mosquitoes, to provide protection both indoors and outdoors. The FTPE is particularly effective against both resistant and susceptible strains of malaria and arbovirus vectors, offering a robust defense against these global health challenges.
The FTPE consists of hessian material impregnated with transfluthrin, which acts as a passive emanator. It is deployed strategically to maximize its protective efficacy, with experiments conducted to determine optimal placement times of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 2 hours prior to exposure to mosquitoes. The technology has been validated through a series of experiments using a three-by-three Latin square design, ensuring its effectiveness in various settings. Its dual capability to function in both semi-field and field environments allows broad application, making it suitable for diverse geographic areas.
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 6, having been validated in relevant environments. Ongoing experiments aim to further establish its effectiveness and optimize deployment strategies to protect against mosquito-borne diseases in real-world conditions.
Ifakara Health Institute is an independent, non-profit health research organization in Tanzania with a multi-site footprint and integrated lab-to-field capabilities. For corporate R&D, it offers GCP-compliant clinical trial units, laboratories and insectaries, and community surveillance platforms to support rigorous product evaluation in real-world settings. Integration with the national health system and regional partners streamlines ethics review, regulatory approvals, site activation, and cohort access. Research is backed by competitive funding from international and national agencies, including the U.S. National Institutes of Health and European programs. A dedicated collaborations and contracts office manages sponsored research, data governance, and compliance to accelerate engagements.