Reckitt Benckiser Brings Fight Against Malaria to the Internet in #WipeOutMalaria Campaign

Reckitt Benckiser earlier this week launched the #WipeOutMalaria social media campaign to increase awareness in the need to fight malaria. The online campaign engages everyone to join the fight but focuses more on expectant women and children under the age of 5.

The campaign will continue for two more weeks, women will take pictures of their baby bumps and use the hash tag #WipeOutMalaria, the picture with the most retweets will walk away with a gift hamper from Mortein doom before the end of the campaign. The key message of this campaign is to position Mortein Doom as the trusted mosquito control product; useful in the prevention of malaria.

Sachin Varmasaid, Reckitt Benckiser’s country manager who spoke during the campaign launch breakfast meeting held at the Intercontinental hotel said that, Mortein Doom aims to make every home a pest-free haven by continuously providing innovative products that will ensure peace of mind in every home. He went on to explain that Reckitt Benckiser in collaboration with the Ministry of Health are also keen to undertake education programs that create awareness on the causes of Malaria, and most importantly its prevention.

In support of the goal to achieve a malaria free country, the two organisations have invested in the development of a variety of Mortein Doom products including the insecticide spray, and liquid electrical mosquito repellant, all of which are easily accessible from shops and leading retailers countrywide. Mortein Doom range of products are designed to provide 100% protection from mosquitos, including the malaria causing mosquitoes, which means that spraying of households using Mortein Doom, can serve to effectively reduce the chances of contracting malaria.

The campaign also offers helpful tips on how to prevent this disease:

• Sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito net.

• Spray under furniture, cupboards and behind curtains.

• Ensure you use an insecticide approved by the Poisons Control and Pharmacy Board such as Mortein Doom.

• Try to reduce and eliminate breeding around your environment, drain any stagnant water including where it accumulates like tins, blocked gutter and old tires and remember to cut any overgrown grass and bushes.

Malaria can be easily treated in only 3 days in addition to this simple instructions:

• Never take anti-malarial drugs unless prescribed after testing positive, especially with conditions such as pregnancy.

• Everyone is at risk of getting Malaria, expectant mothers and children below 5 years of age are at a higher risk due to their low immunity.

• If you experience symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, chills and flu you should go get tested.

• Always follow and finish prescribed medication.

The campaign insists in draining stagnant water and cutting over grown grass to prevent mosquito breeding.

“Together, we have achieved a lot but we still need to do more. RB will continue identifying more partnership opportunities with health sector players, investing in community education programs, as well as introducing innovative products to the market e.g. Mortein LED.” reiterated Sachin Varmasaid, Reckitt Benckiser’s country manager.

The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics released in December 2014, estimate that there were about 198 million cases of malaria in 2013 and an estimated 584, 000 deaths. Further, WHO indicates that most malaria cases and deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, where a child dies every minute from Malaria.

Despite these gloomy statistics, great progress has been made through the years, with regard to fighting this life-threatening disease. According to the WHO, malaria mortality rates among children in Africa have been reduced by an estimated 58% since the year 2000.

This means that through continuous efforts, the disease can controlled hence achieving the goal to reduce incidences of malaria in countries by 75%, in line with World Health Assembly targets for 2015.