Urbano Shetunyenga has created Omwe, an insecticide paper designed to combat malaria in Namibia. This innovative product offers a cost-effective, electric-free solution that affects mosquitoes rapidly. Registered with authorities, it aims to support current malaria prevention efforts amid increasing cases, particularly in northern regions. Shetunyenga is focused on ensuring broad accessibility, especially within low-income communities, despite facing challenges in market introduction.
Urbano Shetunyenga, a local entrepreneur in Namibia, has developed Omwe, a unique insecticide paper designed to address the ongoing malaria outbreak by targeting mosquito populations. Recognizing a market need for affordable mosquito control solutions, he created this product through partnerships during his studies in London. The term “Omwe,” derived from Oshiwambo for mosquitoes, highlights the product’s purpose and relevance to Namibia’s current health crisis.
Registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform in 2022, Omwe contains transfluthrin, an active ingredient endorsed by the World Health Organisation. The paper effectively affects mosquitoes within five minutes, offering up to seven hours of protection in a 10-square-metre area. Its design is aimed at convenience—requiring no electricity, trained personnel, or costly equipment, users simply ignite the paper, allowing the smoke to repel mosquitoes.
Shetunyenga emphasizes that Omwe is a safer alternative compared to traditional mosquito coils, as it minimizes allergic reactions and is chemically designed to deter accidental ingestion by children, incorporating Bitrex as a bittering agent. He articulates that Omwe complements existing malaria prevention strategies, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, by offering an additional protective measure.
As Namibia grapples with a surge in malaria cases, particularly in the northern regions exacerbated by heavy rains, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has encouraged enhanced preventive measures, including the utilization of insecticides and cleaning up stagnant water. Shetunyenga aims to make Omwe accessible to low-income communities, engaging with public institutions and NGOs for subsidized distribution to maximize its reach.
While Shetunyenga is optimistic about the impact of Omwe, he acknowledges the challenges in navigating market entry, especially concerning the lengthy registration process and consumer education on product usage. He envisions expanding Omwe’s availability through pharmacies and retail partnerships, ensuring a broader distribution network to assist public health efforts.
Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry, notes that a significant portion of the recent malaria cases—approximately 58%—are linked to individuals infected outside the country, primarily from Angola. He reports that as of January 19, Namibia has documented around 3,000 malaria cases, including significant hospital admissions and fatalities. Nangombe stresses the importance of timely healthcare intervention for malaria symptoms to prevent severe health outcomes.
Omwe represents a promising innovation in Namibia’s fight against malaria, providing a cost-effective, accessible solution to mosquito control. As local entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga positions this product to meet the urgent public health challenges of rising malaria cases, its integration with traditional prevention measures could enhance overall malaria mitigation efforts. However, overcoming market entry challenges and ensuring adequate public awareness will be crucial for its success.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
