Urbano Shetunyenga has launched Omwe, a cost-effective insecticide paper, to combat malaria in Namibia amid a rising outbreak. Registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, it’s designed for easy use without electricity and is safer than traditional methods. The launch coincides with calls for increased malaria prevention as health officials report thousands of cases, particularly from cross-border infections.
As Namibia battles an escalating malaria outbreak, local entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga has developed Omwe, a cost-effective insecticide paper designed to combat malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Recognizing the need for affordable mosquito control solutions, Shetunyenga created Omwe through Omwe Insecticides Investments CC, aiming to help eradicate malaria in Namibia.
Shetunyenga, who conceived the idea during his undergraduate studies in London, formed partnerships to develop innovative malaria vector control tools. The product, registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in 2022, contains transfluthrin—an active ingredient endorsed by the World Health Organization. Omwe acts quickly, neutralizing mosquitoes within five minutes and offering up to seven hours of protection in a 10-square-metre area.
Unlike conventional mosquito control solutions, Omwe does not necessitate electricity or specialized equipment. Users need only to light the paper, extinguish the flame, and allow the smoke to repel mosquitoes. Shetunyenga emphasizes that Omwe represents a safer alternative to mosquito coils, stating it does not cause allergic reactions and features Bitrex, a bittering agent to deter children’s ingestion.
The launch of Omwe is timely, as Namibia confronts rising malaria cases, particularly in northern regions exacerbated by heavy rains. Health officials have advocated for increased malaria prevention efforts, urging citizens to utilize insecticides, sleep under treated nets, and eliminate stagnant water.
Shetunyenga expresses his commitment to making Omwe accessible to low-income communities. He is collaborating with public institutions and NGOs to facilitate subsidized distribution, reinforcing that community involvement is vital in the fight against malaria. Despite facing market entry challenges, he aims to broaden Omwe’s reach through pharmacies, retail outlets, and institutional partnerships.
According to Health Ministry Executive Director Ben Nangombe, 3,000 malaria cases have been reported as of January 19, with a significant portion attributed to individuals crossing from Angola. The ministry recorded 5,898 malaria cases, resulting in 840 hospitalizations and 28 deaths during the specified period. Nangombe urges the public to cooperate with healthcare teams for mosquito control measures and to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing malaria symptoms.
In conclusion, Urbano Shetunyenga’s introduction of the Omwe insecticide paper presents a promising, cost-effective method for controlling malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Namibia. Amid rising malaria cases, this innovative solution highlights the importance of community involvement and accessible healthcare initiatives. With ongoing efforts to expand its availability, Omwe may significantly contribute to reducing the prevalence of malaria in the region.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
