By: Abdul Razack Gbla
Save Africa From Malaria Infection (SAFMI), a prominent international non-governmental organization dedicated to malaria prevention, will officially launch its groundbreaking Malaria Fish Project in Sierra Leone on Thursday. The launch event will be held at the West African Sunshine at 7 Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen, Freetown, and is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The project marks a significant step in SAFMI’s mission to curb malaria transmission across Sierra Leone and the broader West African region. Using Gambusia fish, known for their appetite for mosquito larvae, the Malaria Fish Project aims to reduce local mosquito populations, directly targeting the primary vector responsible for spreading malaria. This natural method of vector control offers a sustainable approach to public health, according to SAFMI officials.
“This project has the potential to reshape the fight against malaria in Sierra Leone,” said Artem Volchenko, SAFMI’s Chief Executive Officer. “Malaria has stifled tourism, impacted economic growth, and compromised health in this country. Through this project, we hope to transform communities and pave the way for a healthier Sierra Leone.”
Dignitaries from across West Africa, including Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development and malaria experts from Nigeria, are expected to attend the launch. The event will include the distribution of thousands of Gambusia fish to local communities, healthcare centers, and critical malaria-prone areas across the city.
As part of the initiative, SAFMI will also install over 150 water tanks across Freetown, focusing on communities most vulnerable to malaria. By introducing Gambusia fish into these tanks, the organization aims to create a network of breeding grounds for the larvae-eating fish, further reducing mosquito populations.
The Malaria Fish Project represents an eco-friendly solution to a longstanding public health challenge and positions SAFMI as a leader in innovative malaria prevention strategies.
