Malaria is one of the world’s most deadly diseases, and it is becoming more pervasive – despite decades of effort and some successes on the path to eradicating it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria infected 263 million people and killed nearly 600,000 people in 2023 – 75% of whom were children under the age of 5. Of those afflicted, 94% are in Africa – where malaria crushes communities and can cripple economies.

Spread by parasites in infected mosquitoes that are highly adept at evolving, malaria’s rise reflects the reality of insecticide resistance and the difficulties developing new solutions. The effective control of mosquitoes remains a key strategy for reducing disease transmission.

Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, today announced that its next-generation insecticide Sovrenta has received pre-qualification by WHO, paving the way for its use in malaria-afflicted countries. For decades, Syngenta has been at the forefront of the fight against malaria, reflecting its commitment to researching new solutions through in-house R&D efforts and working alongside key partners across sub-Saharan Africa; its products such as Actellic already help avert as many as 100 million cases of malaria in more than 30 countries.

Sovrenta works by targeting a mosquito’s nervous system, blocking signals that enable the insect’s muscles to relax. The effect paralyzes the mosquito, so that it eventually dies. The ability of Sovrenta to provide long-lasting, effective control means just one application is required each season, reducing the cost for malaria prevention programs.

Sovrenta is based on Syngenta’s cutting-edge PLINAZOLIN technology that features a new mode of action, ensuring effective control of mosquitoes even where the insect’s populations are increasingly resistant to older insecticides. When used in rotation with other products, Sovrenta can further ensure that important vector control solutions remain effective for longer.

Andy Bywater, Global Head of Marketing for Vector Control at Syngenta Crop Protection, said: “This marks an important milestone in Syngenta’s quest to bring its most advanced innovations to malaria-endemic countries, and to advancing the health and safety of the millions still at risk.”

Bywater said Sovrenta is a crucial addition to Syngenta’s vector control portfolio that allows for enhanced resistance-management strategies. That is key in regions where mosquitoes are resistant to older insecticides based on pyrethroids – the most common forms of treatment.

“Sovrenta is the only insecticide recognized to provide year-long protection and gives malaria control programs a powerful tool to safeguard communities,” Bywater said. “We are dedicated to collaborating with partners to ensure Sovrenta is deployed sustainably and effectively.”

The WHO’s Vector Control Product Pre-Qualification (VCPP) is a rigorous process that ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of vector-borne disease control products. Its list of prequalified vector control products is used by international procurement agencies and by countries to guide bulk purchasing of these products for distribution in resource-limited countries.