By: Abdul Razack Gbla
The Chief Executive Officer of the Save Africa from Malaria Infection (SAFMI), Artem Volchenko, has revealed that their initiative well significantly reducing malaria infections in Sierra Leone. Speaking on Good Morning Salone, a program on AYV Television, on Friday, February 28, 2025 and on SLBC television on Monday 3march 2025, Volchenko provided insights into the success of the project and its potential long-term impact on public health.
According to Volchenko, SAFMI has been instrumental in fight against malaria in areas where its intervention has been implemented.
He noted that during a recent conference in Makeni, medical workers attested to the effectiveness of the initiative, emphasizing that communities with SAFMI’s malaria fish ponds have seen a notable decline in infection rates.
The malaria fish—a species originally from North and South America—is known for its ability to consume mosquito larvae, making it a natural and eco-friendly solution to malaria control. Volchenko explained that the fish are distributed to health facilities, schools, and other strategic locations across Freetown and parts of the provinces, including Makeni. SAFMI specialists conduct biweekly checks on the fish to ensure their well-being and effectiveness in controlling mosquito populations.
“Sierra Leone is the first country on the African continent where this project has been implemented, and it will serve as a pioneer for other nations,” Volchenko said. However, he noted that similar projects have been successfully carried out in other parts of the world.
Beyond its role in reducing malaria, the malaria fish has additional benefits. CEO Volchenko highlighted that the fish can also consume fly eggs, potentially preventing other diseases linked to poor sanitation and insect-borne infections.
Despite the progress, the major challenge SAFMI faces is that some recipients neglect the care about Gambusia fish, failing to change water or provide food, which reduces the project’s effectiveness. To overcome this, SAFMI looks forward to integrate fish care into daily life—starting with schools, families, and media—to ensure long-term commitment and success.
In a demonstration of local engagement, students from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) have contributed to the project by trying to develop IT applications to enhance its implementation and monitoring.
Launched on November 14, 2024, SAFMI’s malaria fish initiative aims to provide a sustainable, biological solution to malaria control in Sierra Leone. Volchenko reiterated that his only goal is to help save lives, emphasizing that malaria has long-term health effects, making its eradication a priority.
With its eco-friendly approach and growing support, SAFMI’s initiative stands as a pillar of hope in Sierra Leone’s fight against malaria, positioning the country as a leader in innovative disease prevention on the African continent.
The CEO of the foundation disclosed this contact number +23234441150 for tanks.
