New SC Johnson Partnership with Global Fund and U.S. State Department to Combat Malaria
In a significant move to combat malaria, SC Johnson, the U.S. Department of State, and the Global Fund have announced a groundbreaking three-year partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of SC Johnson Guardian™, an innovative outdoor malaria prevention tool. Through this initiative, the project aspires to provide protection against malaria for over 60 million individuals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease remains a prominent health challenge.
Fisk Johnson, the CEO of SC Johnson, expressed optimism about this partnership, highlighting a long-standing commitment to public health and innovation. "For over a decade, we've been working to develop a highly affordable spatial repellent to aid in the fight against malaria and other insect-borne diseases, especially in vulnerable communities," he stated. He added, "We are grateful for the partnership with the U.S. State Department and the Global Fund, which will help protect tens of millions of people from malaria."
SC Johnson Guardian™ is designed to be an effective spatial repellent that operates without electricity, ensuring its utility in numerous household and humanitarian contexts. The product offers year-long protection, making it suitable for various populations, including those in underserved regions. Last year, SC Johnson ramped up its production capabilities by launching two high-speed manufacturing lines in its Nairobi plant, further facilitating the distribution of up to 20 million units annually.
Malaria poses a devastating impact, responsible for over 600,000 deaths each year, predominantly among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. Without the accelerated introduction and distribution of new prevention tools like Guardian™, the global malaria burden is anticipated to rise substantially. This partnership embodies the potential of American innovation in collaboration with the Global Fund’s global supply and delivery platform to enhance equitable access to life-saving malaria prevention tools.
The deployment of this initiative will target sub-Saharan countries with the highest malaria rates, while also contributing to the malaria elimination goals in regions such as Southeast Asia. SC Johnson has previously distributed Guardian™ in high-risk settings and continues working with partners to raise awareness of the critical role spatial repellents can play in malaria prevention.
This new commitment builds on SC Johnson's long-term investments in insect science and public health, with over $120 million dedicated to developing, testing, and manufacturing SC Johnson Guardian™ as part of a nonprofit initiative. The focus remains on addressing pressing environmental and health issues globally, including plastic waste reduction and malaria eradication.
Jeremy P. Lewin, a senior official at the U.S. State Department, echoed the significance of this partnership. He remarked, "The State Department continues to make transformative investments in global healthcare advancements led by Americans through the historic America First Global Health Innovation Fund. We have a unique opportunity to target investments in concrete interventions that can shift the curve of the deadliest and most prevalent global health issues. This exciting partnership will allow SC Johnson’s spatial emitters to protect tens of millions in low-income, high-risk areas while supporting thousands of research and manufacturing jobs here in the U.S."
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, commented on the critical nature of partnerships like this one in the fight against malaria, emphasizing their role in saving lives. He stated, "Malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, especially among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Innovative partnerships are essential to stay ahead of the disease and save lives. By accelerating access to new tools alongside existing interventions, we can assist countries in strengthening malaria prevention and protecting vulnerable communities."
SC Johnson, established in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, champions a healthier, more sustainable world through innovative practices. Committed to transparency and responsibility, the company produces a diverse range of high-quality products, including OFF!®, Raid®, and Ziploc®. As a nonprofit company, SC Johnson strives to make a meaningful impact across the globe, particularly in enhancing health and environmental conditions for underserved communities. For more details about SC Johnson and its initiatives to prevent malaria, please visit scjohnson.com.