Namibian launches cost-effective insecticide paper to combat malaria

Namibian entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga has launched Omwe, a new insecticide paper designed to combat malaria-carrying mosquitoes. This product offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, requiring no electricity or special training to use. Omwe, registered in 2022, contains transfluthrin and provides protection for up to seven hours. It is safer than mosquito coils, as it includes a bittering agent to prevent accidental ingestion by children. The launch comes amid a rising malaria outbreak in Namibia. Health officials report over 5,898 malaria cases since December 2024, with many infections imported from neighboring countries. Shetunyenga aims to make Omwe accessible to low-income communities and plans to expand its availability through various partnerships.