FEEDING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE FEEDER: PROVIDING SOLAR ENERGY WHILE CONTROLLING MALARIA

摘要

A recent study by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation concludes that malaria kills twice as many people as formerly believed; taking 1.2 million lives annually. Millions of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been distributed but usage is suboptimal. The Boko Fan/Light Console (BFLC) is the key component of an innovative solar-powered system to decrease malaria burden through increased LLIN use by providing air circulation and lighting inside LLINs. According to LLIN use studies, the major stated reason for not using a LLIN, besides not owning one, is that it is too hot and stuffy to sleep under during hot weather. Apart from increasing LLIN use-rates through improved air circulation, the BFLC technology prevents burn holes being formed by oil lamps near LLINs and provides additional household LED lighting, reducing indoor air pollution and risks of fire-related accidents. The technical simplicity of the BFLC. combined with accessible, low cost solar system components, will allow rapid commercialization opportunities and make the project sustainable throughout Africa, and other tropical countries affected by vector-borne malaria.