Insect Shield® Outfits Zambia National Malaria Indicator Survey Team in Repellent Apparel for Protection During Malaria Survey
SEATTLE, WA – Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, known for developing the first-ever insect-repellent apparel registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has stepped up their global health initiatives in an effort to protect humans in areas where insect-borne diseases are a threat. The company supports a variety of agencies and international relief organizations that work to protect at-risk populations. The latest effort is a uniform program designed specifically for members of Zambia National Malaria Indicator Survey Team.
The Zambia Ministry of Health, together with support from several Roll Back Malaria partners, is conducting a national household survey to help evaluate the progress in scaling up malaria control interventions nationwide. The survey is meant to help inform national and local authorities about the need for improved malaria prevention and care in Zambia.
The survey teams in the Luangwa and Lusaka districts of Zambia have been outfitted in Insect Shield Repellent Apparel to help provide an identity, and most importantly, to protect them from potential disease-carrying insects while conducting survey efforts in the field. Insect Shield products are proven and EPA-registered to repel a variety of insects—including mosquitoes that can carry malaria, as well as dengue fever and other devastating diseases. The repellency is odorless, invisible and effective, and the repellency of Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel lasts through 70 launderings. The efficacy and durability of Insect Shield garments make them ideal uniforms for field work efforts in heavily bug-infested areas of the world.
“The field staff greatly appreciated getting the Insect Shield shirts. It makes them feel better protected while doing this important activity,” says John Miller, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist with the Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership in Africa. MACEPA is a collaboration between nonprofit organization PATH, the Government of Zambia, and the Zambia Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
Permethrin-treated textile products (such as bed nets) have become very important interventions helping to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases. According to the CDC, in community trials in several areas of Africa, insecticide-treated bed nets have reduced mortality by up to 20%. Insect Shield’s proprietary technology also utilizes permethrin, which is built into apparel and other Insect Shield items people can use daily to aid in the protection against insects.
About Insect Shield Technology:
In July 2003, Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel technology provides effective, invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) through 70 launderings. Insect Shield apparel categories include outdoor, golf, hunting, fishing, and equestrian. Insect Shield® Repellent Gear technology is proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas through six months of constant exposure to weathering (sun/rain). Insect Shield gear product categories include camping, patio, beach, pet, and equestrian. Insect Shield technology has the potential to be an important tool in the battle against insect-borne diseases and improve the health of people worldwide. In partnership with a number of agencies and international relief organizations, Insect Shield technology is being used for apparel and other items that people use daily to aid in protection against insects. For more information visit www.insectshield.com.