Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 2026: Families in rural Sierra Leone prepare for the night as mosquitoes pose a threat to their health and peace of mind from October 6 to 20.
The Ministry of Health, alongside the National Malaria Control Programme and various partners, will introduce a new household tool. Over 101,000 Spatial Emanators will be distributed to eligible households in the Sittia and Dema Chiefdoms in Bonthe District and the Yoni Mabanta and Poli Chiefdoms in Tonkolili District.
These devices release insecticide into the air to deter mosquitoes from biting indoors. Trained community health workers will carry out house-to-house installations, explaining the devices’ use alongside existing malaria prevention methods, like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying.
For many families, these emanators will integrate malaria prevention into their daily lives and sleeping areas. The Ministry clarifies that while these devices offer added protection, they should complement rather than replace other strategies, including preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, routine testing, and the forthcoming malaria vaccine in 2024.
Malaria presents a significant public health challenge in Sierra Leone. According to the WHO’s 2025 malaria profile, over eight million people lived in high-transmission areas in 2024, with around two million malaria cases reported that year.
There is evidence of progress; reported case numbers dropped by about 14% in 2024. Although achievements are promising, the Ministry cautions that more efforts are needed to combat the disease effectively.
The US government supports this initiative, building on years of malaria control efforts in Sierra Leone. For many, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets is key for protection, with the spatial emanators adding a vital level of household safety during peak mosquito activity at night.
Community education is essential for the initiative’s success. Community health workers will guide families on the proper use of the devices, the importance of using treated nets, seeking care for fevers, and engaging with preventive services like vaccinations and prenatal care.
The campaign highlights that technology alone cannot eradicate malaria; success relies on strong government leadership, supported health workers, engaged communities, and families implementing recommended prevention strategies.
By installing these Spatial Emanators, the effort aims to protect every household, particularly vulnerable populations, while reinforcing the commitment to bring malaria prevention into people’s homes. From October 6 to 20, health workers will ensure the devices are correctly fitted and provide families with the necessary information for effective use. Sierra Leone’s multifaceted approach to malaria prevention is crucial for safeguarding children, pregnant women, and entire families from this pervasive disease.
