The Chief Executive Officer of the Save Africa from Malaria Infection (SAFMI), Artem Volchenko, has revealed that their groundbreaking initiative is making significant strides in reducing malaria infections in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on Good Morning Salone, a program on AYV Television, and SLBC on Friday, February 28, 2025, Volchenko provided insights into the project’s success and its long-term impact on public health. He emphasized that SAFMI’s intervention has played a crucial role in lowering malaria rates in communities where its initiatives have been implemented.
During a recent conference in Makeni, medical workers attested to the effectiveness of SAFMI’s approach, particularly its use of malaria fish ponds. Volchenko explained that these specially introduced fish—originally from North and South America—are highly effective in controlling mosquito populations as they feed on mosquito larvae. This eco-friendly method has significantly curbed malaria transmission in targeted areas.
SAFMI has been distributing malaria fish to health centers, schools, and key locations across Freetown and the provinces, including Makeni.
To ensure the sustainability of the project, specialists from the organization conduct biweekly assessments to monitor the health and effectiveness of the fish.
“Sierra Leone is the first country in Africa to implement this project, making it a pioneer for other nations to follow,” Volchenko noted.
He added that similar initiatives have been successfully carried out in other parts of the world, further proving its effectiveness.
Beyond malaria prevention, Volchenko highlighted that malaria fish also contribute to reducing other insect-borne diseases.The fish consume fly eggs, which helps prevent infections linked to poor sanitation. This additional benefit reinforces the initiative’s potential to improve public health on a broader scale.
While SAFMI’s malaria fish initiative has shown great success, Volchenko acknowledged some challenges, particularly in areas where malaria fish ponds are not being properly maintained. He assured that SAFMI is actively addressing these issues to ensure maximum impact.
In a further demonstration of community engagement, students from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) have been working on IT applications to support the project’s implementation and monitoring efforts.
Since its launch on November 14, 2024, SAFMI’s malaria fish initiative has emerged as a sustainable and biological solution to malaria control in Sierra Leone. Volchenko reiterated that his only goal is to help save lives, stressing that malaria has long-term health effects and should remain a national priority.
With its innovative and eco-friendly approach, SAFMI’s initiative positions Sierra Leone as a leader in malaria prevention on the African continent, offering hope for a future with significantly reduced malaria cases.
For further inquiries, SAFMI can be reached at +23234441150.
