Dar gets new anti-mosquito tool

Dar es Salaam. LG Electronics Company has introduced to the Tanzanian market a new product -- a device built within LG Air conditioners -- which can expel mosquitoes.The facility, christened Mosquito Away Air Conditioner was launched yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

The product has been tested by institutions in different countries including Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas) in Tanzania, the Ibadan University in Nigeria, and University of Khartoum in Sudan and Indonesia whereby it was found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. In Tanzania, Muhas was involved in the study and Bagamoyo was used as a case study.

Dr Billy Ngasala from Muhas’ Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology said the research findings showed that the device was able to knock down 76 per cent and expel 94 per cent of female anopheles within 24 hours in the test chamber.

“This innovation can therefore be integrated in mosquito control programmes by reducing the vector-human contact,” said Dr Billy. He also assured the public that the devices are harmless to human beings.

According to him, since malaria parasites are increasingly becoming resistant to treatment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set an action plan to fight insecticides by introducing new, innovative vector control devices.

“The mosquito away air conditioners are among the recommended new tools which fall in line with the WHO,” noted Dr Billy.

For his part, LG marketing director for East Africa, Moses Marji, said the tool is set to be on sale starting tomorrow. “We believe that this product will provide true comfort to consumers in Tanzania and help efforts in fighting malaria,” he said.

The tool is designed for both cooling and low voltage operation, making it more relevant in developing countries which suffer from high electricity prices.

Mr Marji said the ultrasonic waves can still be emitted even when the air-conditioner is switched off.