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MAÏA® mosquito repellant

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Researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a malaria prevention ointment and examine the relationship between price, adoption, and usage.

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Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with the African Region accounting for 95 percent of the estimated 228 million malaria cases and 602,020 deaths in 2021. [1] In Burkina Faso, despite extensive malaria prevention campaigns, the disease persists as the leading cause of consultations, hospitalizations and deaths, with more than 12 million cases and 4,355 deaths recorded in 2021. [2] MAÏA Africa SAS, a social enterprise based in Burkina Faso, has developed MAÏA®, a mosquito repellent ointment that has proven effective in repelling malaria mosquitoes and ensuring protection. [3] Researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation to analyze how price affects the adoption and usage of MAÏA® mosquito repellent ointment and the impact of using this preventive solution on the health of children and the well-being of mothers.

The evaluation involves 3,120 households located within a 50-kilometer radius of the center of the capital city, Ouagadougou. These households are randomly divided into three groups. One-third of the households are given the opportunity to purchase the ointment at market price, another third receives a 50 percent subsidy, and the final third obtains the ointment for free through the distribution of vouchers. The research team is conducting comprehensive household surveys, which also include anthropometric measurements and observations of malaria prevention behaviors through home visits. Additionally, blood samples were collected from two individuals in each household, comprising either one child and one woman or, in cases where there is no woman present, one man. These blood samples are examined to determine the presence of malaria-related parasites.

Results of this evaluation will be available in 2024.