Bayer commits to provide innovative vector control solutions to help eradicate malaria by 2040

The industry collaboration is coordinated by the IVCC and supported by its funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in London, Bayer, along with other key players from the agriculture industry – BASF, Mitsui Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemicals and Syngenta pledged its ongoing support to the research, development and supply of innovative vector control solutions, to help eradicate malaria by 2040. The industry collaboration is coordinated by the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) and supported by its funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The declaration, signed under the ‘ZERO by 40’ banner, comes at an opportune time; progress towards ending the disease has stalled. The World Health Organisation’s recent World Malaria Report confirmed a resurgence of malaria, registering five million more cases in 2016 compared to the previous year and vector control solutions are increasingly challenged by growing resistance to the limited number of insecticides available.

Dr Jacqueline M Applegate, Member of Bayer’s Crop Science Executive Committee & President of Environmental Science, said, “The magnitude and global reach of the disease requires the engagement of all major stakeholders to work together if we are to achieve our bold and ambitious goal of ending the malaria burden within a generation. The declaration signed today with our industry partners confirms the willingness to mobilise our diverse know-how and resources.”

Working in partnership with IVCC for over a decade, Bayer is pursuing the development of a novel insecticide active ingredient, which has recently progressed into a new development phase. Assuming successful progress through further phases, a new and unique solution effective in controlling insecticide resistant mosquitoes, could be available for use alongside other important tools to improve the impact of malaria control programmes. This represents an important milestone in our long-term commitment to the fight against malaria.

“Investing into a future pipeline of vector control tools in a collaborative manner is essential if we are to increase our chances in overcoming challenges such as resistance and ensure sustainable malaria prevention for the millions at risk. At Bayer, we are committed to using science and innovation to improve people’s lives and are very proud to be a signee of this declaration,” added Dr Applegate.