By Mustapha Dumbuya
Safe Africa From Malaria Infection (SAFMI), an international non-governmental organization, launched its operations on November 14, 2024, at Lumley Beach Road in Aberdeen, Freetown. The organization’s mission is to combat malaria in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, expressed gratitude to all attendees for supporting this initiative. He highlighted the importance of SAFMI’s work, noting that malaria remains one of the key diseases hampering development in Sierra Leone and globally. Dr. Titus-Williams praised the efforts of the government and international partners in improving health outcomes through initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, and education, as well as President Bio’s focus on human capital development. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that malaria continues to pose significant challenges to health and social well-being.
He emphasized that the fight against malaria in Sierra Leone is a “call to action” for public safety and social inclusion. Dr. Titus-Williams concluded by commending SAFMI’s work and pledged full support from his ministry.
Mr. Artem Volcheko, the CEO of Safe Africa From Malaria Infection, also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for his team and partners. He recounted his experience in Africa, where he observed the devastating impact of malaria. Volcheko introduced a biological control strategy using Gambusia fish, which consume mosquito larvae, as an innovative and natural approach to malaria prevention. He affirmed SAFMI’s commitment to expanding this initiative beyond Sierra Leone to the rest of Africa.
Dr. Prisca Ndu, representing SAFMI Nigeria, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative. Inspired by Ambassador Dauda, Dr. Ndu explained her background in biochemistry and the ongoing research into malaria’s effects and treatments. She highlighted that SAFMI’s approach is environmentally safe and chemical-free, contrasting with the hazardous chemicals often used in mosquito control. Dr. Ndu pledged her support for SAFMI’s mission to curb malaria in Africa.
Anthony Bangura, a Community Health Officer at George Brook Community Health Centre in Freetown, also spoke at the event. He expressed gratitude for the SAFMI fish pond project introduced at his health center in Dwarzak several months prior. Bangura emphasized that malaria is a major killer in Sierra Leone and sub-Saharan Africa, where a child dies every second due to the disease. He noted that with SAFMI’s intervention, mosquito breeding has significantly reduced in the community, which has been positively noted by patients in postnatal wards.
The launch event concluded with a tour of SAFMI’s facilities, where Gambusia fish are being bred as part of the organization’s malaria prevention efforts.
