April 25 marks the fourth annual celebration of World Malaria Day Under this year’s umbrella theme of Achieving Progress and Impact the international community will again focus on the goal of achieving near zero malaria deaths by 2015 and how different stakeholders are contributing to reaching this target as part of the international community combating malaria is marking the day by telling the story of how a simple initiative can stop the spread of the disease Although African communities are under the greatest threat of malaria the disease is a reality in many other developing countries particularly those located near the Amazon forest malaria constitutes the major public health problem favourable climatic conditions coupled with vast water sources give the mosquitoes carrying malaria a comfortable home to reproduce and spread To better manage the risks of malaria transmission in the region BASF partnered with Foundation for Health Surveillance in Amazonas (FVS - AM) to assess how Interceptor BASF’s long-lasting insecticidal bed net could support local communities in their efforts to prevent the disease The community of Jabote (municipality of Urucara) was chosen to host the study because it is known as one of the major hotspots for malaria outbreaks traditional prevention methods could not be easily applied meaning that malaria had become as common as a cold the project kicked off: Interceptor nets were placed in all houses in Jabote Residents were also coached on how to use the product and the purpose it served monthly monitoring revealed astonishing results: In 2007 That translates to an infection rate of 3.52 cases per person meaning that each person in Jabote contracted malaria at least three times a year the rate of malaria was reduced to only 0.12 cases per capita The positive spiral effects spread throughout the community The burden of malaria had prevented children from regularly attending school But with the dramatic reduction in malaria cases Literacy objectives were achieved in just two years These effects typify one of the major targets of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals more educated population is key to sustainably support poverty reduction Interceptor is a result of BASF leadership both in textile chemistry and agricultural products A polymer binder system is combined with Fendona and applied directly to the fibres of the nets in a unique slow and controlled release of the insecticide and ensures long term effectiveness knocking down and killing malaria-transmitting mosquitoes even after three years of use With its commitment to improving public health and its innovative portfolio of products BASF is convinced that supporting and engaging in simple local projects can bring life-changing results The goal is not only to prevent malaria from spreading but also to fortify good ideas and initiatives that impact those most exposed to the disease BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro please register for free or log in to your account.