The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the green light to a new tool in the global fight against malaria: spatial repellents. These innovative devices release mosquito-repelling chemicals into the air, providing continuous protection indoors and complementing the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). This marks the first new class of malaria control tools to be endorsed in decades, representing a significant advancement in disease prevention.
What Are Spatial Repellents?
Spatial repellents, also known as spatial emanators, are compact sheets or mesh panels designed for indoor use. Once hung on walls or placed in living spaces, they gradually release volatile chemicals that repel or even kill mosquitoes. Unlike bed nets, which only protect while people are sleeping, spatial repellents provide round-the-clock coverage, including during daytime activities indoors. Their airborne action ensures mosquitoes are deterred from entering or biting, offering an additional layer of defense.
Benefits of Spatial Repellents
One of the main strengths of spatial repellents is their continuous protection. They safeguard families not just at night, but throughout the day. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to deploy, requiring neither electricity nor heat, which makes them suitable for use in rural homes, humanitarian camps, and urban areas with limited infrastructure. Another key advantage is their adaptability to mosquito resistance; since they act through the air rather than direct contact, chemical formulations can be updated more quickly if resistance arises. Some versions, like Guardian™, provide protection lasting up to a year, making them a practical long-term solution.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite their promise, spatial repellents are not yet considered a standalone solution. WHO recommends using them alongside ITNs rather than as replacements. A potential concern is the risk that some households may abandon bed nets after installing repellents, which could weaken overall malaria control efforts. There are also environmental and disposal concerns, as improper handling of used devices may harm ecosystems. Furthermore, while proven effective indoors, their performance in outdoor and emergency settings still requires more research.
Real-World Impact and Ongoing Research
Trials in Kenya, particularly in Busia County, have already demonstrated encouraging results. The use of Mosquito Shield™ reduced malaria infection by around 33% among children aged six months to ten years. Global health partners are now investing in further studies, including large-scale trials across Africa and humanitarian contexts, to assess standalone effectiveness and optimize deployment strategies.
With new manufacturing facilities established in Kenya and Argentina, production has scaled up to support widespread distribution. This step promises to strengthen malaria control programs worldwide, offering new hope in regions where traditional methods alone have proven insufficient.
Spatial repellents stand out as a game-changing addition to malaria prevention efforts providing consistent, practical, and adaptable protection in the ongoing fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
