Local entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga has introduced Omwe, an innovative and affordable insecticide paper designed to combat malaria-carrying mosquitoes, amidst a rising malaria outbreak in Namibia. Registered in 2022, Omwe is easy to use and safe for households, complementing existing prevention methods while aiming to enhance accessibility for low-income communities.
As Namibia confronts a growing malaria outbreak, local entrepreneur Urbano Shetunyenga has launched Omwe, an innovative insecticide paper designed to offer an affordable and effective solution against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Shetunyenga, the managing director of Omwe Insecticides Investments CC, identified a significant gap in the market for economical mosquito control options.
“During my undergraduate studies in London in 2017, I pondered on a product that could contribute to the eradication of malaria in Namibia. I formed partnerships to bring innovative, cost-effective malaria vector control tools to the country,” Shetunyenga states.
The term “Omwe,” an Oshiwambo word for mosquitoes, was officially registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in 2022. The insecticide-infused paper contains transfluthrin, an active ingredient recognized by the World Health Organization, affecting mosquitoes within five minutes and providing protection for up to seven hours within a 10-square-metre area.
Unlike conventional mosquito control methods, Omwe is user-friendly, requiring no electricity, trained personnel, or costly equipment. Users simply ignite the paper, extinguish the flame, and allow the smoke to repel mosquitoes. “Omwe is a safer alternative to mosquito coils, as it does not cause allergic reactions and contains Bitrex, a bittering agent that prevents accidental ingestion by children,” Shetunyenga explains.
He further mentions, “It works in tandem with existing methods like long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying but provides an additional layer of protection.” The timely launch of Omwe corresponds with an alarming increase in malaria cases in Namibia, particularly in the northern regions, exacerbated by heavy rains and stagnant water, which are conducive to mosquito breeding.
Health officials have emphasized the necessity for enhanced malaria prevention strategies, including the use of insecticides and sleeping under treated mosquito nets, alongside the removal of stagnant water from residential areas. “We need all hands on deck in the fight against malaria. That is why I am working to make Omwe accessible to low-income communities,” says Shetunyenga, who is collaborating with public institutions and non-governmental organizations for subsidized distribution.
Despite the promising potential of Omwe, Shetunyenga recognizes challenges in entering the Namibian market, particularly concerning the lengthy registration process and educating consumers on proper usage. He is committed to expanding availability through pharmacies, retail outlets, and institutional partnerships to enhance public access to the product.
Shetunyenga states, “My priority is helping Namibia fight malaria. Once we have made an impact here, I will consider expanding to other malaria-affected countries in the region.” According to Ben Nangombe, the health ministry’s executive director, the surge in malaria cases is attributed to individuals infected outside Namibia seeking treatment within the country.
As of January 19, Namibia registered approximately 3,000 cases, with the majority being imported from neighboring countries. The ministry recorded a total of 5,898 malaria cases between December 2024 and January 19, which included multiple hospital admissions and fatalities. Nangombe encourages public cooperation with health teams for residual spraying and underscores the importance of early medical intervention upon exhibiting malaria symptoms.
“If you wait until you become sicker, that may lead to the loss of life, unfortunately,” he cautions.
In summary, the introduction of Omwe by Urbano Shetunyenga offers a promising, cost-effective solution to combat malaria in Namibia amidst a growing outbreak. The innovative insecticide paper, with its ease of use and safety features, aims to enhance current malaria prevention efforts. The rising malaria cases, largely due to cross-border infections, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies and community involvement in prevention efforts.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
