After introducing a very innovative way or dealing with the malaria scourge which is responsible for the death of hundreds of children and adults every year across Sierra Leone, the entrepreneur and innovator Artem Volchenko says water tanks are now available for business to obtain.
According to him, any business can ask for the water tank, and it can be delivered to them if needed. He adds that expanding placement of the water tanks across Freetown and eventually in provincial towns and villages, is the effective method to fight malaria.
On the other hand, a Facilitator of SAFMI initiative, Alhaji Dauda Bangura is encouraging university students in Sierra Leone to enhance the work of the foundation by asking pertinent questions and being involved in the spread of information about the work of the foundation which is eradicating malaria through the introduction of mosquito larvae eating fish. He noted that those that had volunteered to be trained in this latest medical technology are stars and ambassadors of the foundation as well as future leaders in the fight against a malaria-free Sierra Leone.
According to Volchenko and Bangura, anyone who wishes to help financially or in any way that would bring about a comprehensive requisition, distribution, purchasing and installation of the fish tanks in Freetown and even in other parts of Sierra Leone is more than welcome as that person would be doing his or her compatriots an immense favor that boosts their health and longevity.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leoneans who followed Volchenko, who is the Executive Director of SAFMI, are of the opinion that because the species of fish he introduced consume mosquito larvae as their normal diet, this innovative approach would drastically reduce the mosquito population and go a long way to complement the government’s fight against malaria in Sierra Leone.
Therefore, Artem Volchenko’s call on the government of Sierra Leone and the general public and interested stakeholders to join him in intensifying the fight against the killer disease – malaria by using the mosquito-eating fish is not only in place but the best approach in the fight against malaria.
Since he started out in Sierra Leone, Volchenko has spoken on the importance of the Gambusia Affinis fish in the fight against malaria. He noted that the Gambusia Affinis, commonly known as mosquito fish, when placed into strategic water bodies is capable of consuming up to 300 mosquito larvae in just five minutes, adding that this offers a new biological solution to mosquito control. He also noted that the foundation’s initiative is to leverage this natural predator to reduce the mosquito population and, consequently, the spread of malaria in Sierra Leone.
Artem Volchenko, revealed that Gambusia Affinis, is a handy fish species, which thrives in various water conditions, making them ideal for deployment in Sierra Leone’s diverse aquatic environments. He said they are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young offspring, and can reproduce rapidly under optimal conditions. He added that the females can produce from 70 to 100 offspring every two months, ensuring a sustainable population of fish capable of controlling mosquito larvae.
The SAFMI Foundation’s efforts show a united front in the battle against malaria. By integrating scientific knowledge with community engagement, SAFMI aims to create a sustainable and impactful program that not only addresses the immediate threat of malaria but also builds long-term resilience within communities.
With the foundation continuing its fight to against malaria, it hopes to expand its efforts beyond Sierra Leone, targeting other African countries such as Liberia, Guinea, and The Gambia and with continued support from local and international partners, SAFMI is poised to make significant strides in eradicating malaria and improving public health across the continent.
