Urbano Shetunyenga, a local entrepreneur, has unveiled Omwe, an affordable insecticide paper aimed at reducing malaria in Namibia. This product, registered in 2022, requires no electricity and is safer than traditional methods. With rising malaria cases linked to cross-border infections, Shetunyenga is determined to make Omwe available to low-income communities, enhancing national malaria prevention efforts.
In response to Namibia’s ongoing malaria outbreak, local entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga has launched Omwe, a cost-effective insecticide paper intended to combat malaria-carrying mosquitoes. As the managing director of Omwe Insecticides Investments CC, Shetunyenga identified a market need for affordable mosquito control solutions.
Shetunyenga, reflecting on his academic experience in London in 2017, envisioned a product that could aid in malaria eradication in Namibia, subsequently forming key partnerships. Registered in 2022 with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Omwe contains transfluthrin, a World Health Organisation-approved insecticide, affecting mosquitoes within five minutes and delivering protection for up to seven hours in a ten-square-metre area.
Omwe’s unique application does not require electricity, specialized training, or costly equipment. Users simply ignite the paper, extinguish the flame, and allow the smoke to repel mosquitoes. Unlike traditional mosquito coils, Omwe is safer as it avoids allergic reactions and includes Bitrex, a bitter agent to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
This product launch is particularly timely as Namibia reports a surge in malaria cases, following heavy rains that have created optimal breeding environments for mosquitoes. Health officials have urged citizens to reinforce malaria prevention efforts including the use of insecticides and treated mosquito nets, as well as eliminating stagnant water from residential areas.
Shetunyenga emphasizes his commitment to making Omwe accessible to low-income populations by collaborating with governmental entities and NGOs for subsidized distribution. He recognizes challenges such as a lengthy registration process and the need to educate consumers on proper usage as significant hurdles.
With plans to expand availability through pharmacies and retail outlets, Shetunyenga aims for broader public access to Omwe. His broader vision includes potential expansion into other malaria-affected countries after making a meaningful impact within Namibia.
According to the executive director of the health ministry, Ben Nangombe, the increasing malaria cases are attributed largely to individuals infected abroad, predominantly from Angola. The health ministry has reported approximately 3,000 malaria cases, with high numbers originating from outside Namibia, signaling a pressing need for public vigilance and effective response strategies.
Nangombe encouraged citizens to facilitate residual spraying in their homes and to seek immediate medical attention upon the onset of malaria symptoms, advocating for a proactive approach to health that could ultimately save lives.
The introduction of Omwe by Urbano Shetunyenga presents a significant opportunity for Namibia to combat the escalating malaria crisis with an innovative, accessible solution. By addressing market deficiencies and prioritizing community engagement, Omwe aims to enhance malaria prevention efforts amidst growing health concerns. The collaborative approach and emphasis on safe usage signal a hopeful advancement in public health interventions against malaria in Namibia.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
