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SC Johnson Achieves WHO Policy Recommendation in Fight Against Malaria

SC Johnson has reached a significant milestone in global healthcare as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new policy recommendation for spatial repellents, a groundbreaking tool to combat insect-borne diseases such as malaria. This innovative solution is critical at a time when malaria claims over 600,000 lives annually.

Spatial repellents, including SC Johnson's own products like the Guardian™ and Mosquito Shield™, work by releasing an active ingredient that effectively keeps mosquitoes at bay. These tools are designed to be user-friendly, cost-efficient, and long-lasting, making them an appealing option for many vulnerable communities. Their ease of application allows them to be utilized in various settings, including homes and schools, which broadens their reach in areas where malaria is a substantial threat.

Advancing Public Health

The recommendation from WHO is particularly crucial as it marks the first significant addition to vector control methods in the realm of malaria prevention in the last quarter-century. Over the past ten years, SC Johnson has dedicated substantial resources and effort into developing these spatial repellents. The company has invested over $100 million in research, trials, and production.

Fisk Johnson, CEO of SC Johnson, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the WHO's endorsement. He emphasized that this initiative has always been driven by a philanthropic motive, aiming to combat diseases that endanger the lives of millions. He remarked, “From day one, this has been a not-for-profit initiative driven by our commitment to combat diseases that threaten hundreds of millions of people.”

With the WHO's endorsement, SC Johnson is now better positioned to collaborate with global partners and governments to expand the distribution of these innovative products. The approval enhances public confidence in the safety and efficacy of spatial repellents, fostering wider acceptance and use.

Efficacy and Global Collaboration

The WHO’s prequalification listings for Guardian and Mosquito Shield denote their effectiveness as recommended tools for insect-borne disease prevention. These referrals additionally signal their availability through different distribution channels, enhancing accessibility for communities at risk.

Clinical trials conducted in diverse locations such as Indonesia, Peru, and Kenya showcased that effective use of spatial repellents can lower disease transmission rates by up to 33%. Guardian, in particular, boasts a long-lasting protection period of up to one year, an essential factor in malaria-prone areas with limited healthcare access.

SC Johnson has been proactive in distributing these repellents in various humanitarian contexts while collaborating with organizations like The MENTOR Initiative and local health ministries. By harnessing these partnerships, SC Johnson seeks not only to provide tools but also to educate communities about the significant role spatial repellents play in malaria prevention.

Expanding Production to Meet Growing Demand

In response to the rising demand for these products, SC Johnson has recently ramped up production capabilities. Two new manufacturing lines have been inaugurated at their Nairobi plant, enhancing production capacity to 20 million units annually. Additionally, further expansion is planned with a new line slated to open in Pilar, Argentina, to produce another 20 million units each year.

Since 2013, SC Johnson's initiatives have impacted over 110 million individuals globally through education, outreach, and the distribution of life-saving repellents. This latest WHO recommendation is expected to amplify their impact significantly as they aim to reach more than a billion people who would benefit from these advancements.

Conclusion

As SC Johnson continues its commitment towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future, the endorsement from WHO stands as a testament to the efficacy of spatial repellents and the company’s enduring dedication to combating malaria. This development paves the way for broader access to these innovative tools, promoting a brighter future for millions at risk from mosquito-borne diseases. For more detailed insights into SC Johnson's contributions against malaria, visit their official site.