Kansai Plascon has Tuesday launched the world’s first anti-mosquito paint to the Ugandan market to complement the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria by 2021.

The Anti-Mosquito Paint is a modified emulsion paint powered by a unique mosquito “Knock Down” technology giving people a peace of mind of a mosquito-free environment.

Malaria continues to account for more than one million deaths per annum on the African continent despite a number of interventions including mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, among others that have been put in place.

It also accounts for half of school absenteeism and has had several negative impacts on the economy.

The Anti-Mosquito paint is designed to knock down mosquitoes and has been tested to be safe for use in residential homes, public and commercial buildings. It is also lead free and safe for the family.

How it works.

The knock down Technology works by disrupting the mosquito’s nervous system on contact, reducing its ability to remain on painted walls or flying too far away, resulting in it being knocked down.

The paint however will have no effect on a mosquito that doesn’t make any contact with painted walls.

After painting, the knock down effect will last for 24 months providing full protection against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases after which time, the effect will begin to diminish.

At this point, if the area still has a high prevalence of mosquitoes, one is advised to paint again to get the full protection of the knock down.

However, after the 24 months, the knock down effect remains with about 30% efficiency for up to 40 months.

“Kansai Plascon’s Anti-Mosquito paint is the only product of its kind. It has been approved by all the local bodies necessary including; the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Drug Authority (NDA), the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and the National Health Research Authority,” said Plascon Vice President Dr. Kalpana Abe.

She further revealed that the initial phase of the launch will involve a campaign to donate paint to some underprivileged communities to help them fight malaria.

The campaign has been dubbed “Hold My Hand to 5.”

Lungi Koni, the Kansai Plascon Regional Brand Manager said; “the ‘Hold My Hand to 5” campaign aims to highlight the plight of the most vulnerable malaria victims while driving consumer education towards the fight against malaria.”

“Kansai Plascon plans to forge strong partnerships with government, NGOs and the private sector to ensure the campaign has an enduring and holistic impact,” he added.