World Malaria Day: when a simple initiative conveys great results

Limburgerhof, Germany (ots) -

- Interceptor® bed nets key factor for decrease in malaria
infection in Jabote community (Brazil)
- Positive spiral effect: less malaria, more kids in school

- Cross reference: Pictures are available via epa european
pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at:
http://www.presseportal.de/pm/16344/basf_se/?keygroup=bild -

April 25th marks the fourth annual celebration of World Malaria
Day. Under this year's umbrella theme of Achieving Progress and
Impact, the international community will again focus on the goal of
achieving near zero malaria deaths by 2015, and how different
stakeholders are contributing to reaching this target. BASF, as part
of the international community combating malaria, is marking the day
by telling the story of how a simple initiative can stop the spread
of the disease, one step at a time.

Although African communities are under the greatest threat of
malaria, the disease is a reality in many other developing countries.
In some states in Brazil, particularly those located near the Amazon
forest, malaria constitutes the major public health problem. In this
region, favorable climatic conditions coupled with vast water sources
give the mosquitoes carrying malaria a comfortable home to reproduce
and spread.

To better manage the risks of malaria transmission in the region,
BASF partnered with Foundation for Health Surveillance in Amazonas
(FVS - AM) to assess how Interceptor, BASF's long-lasting
insecticidal bed net, could support local communities in their
efforts to prevent the disease.

The community of Jabote (municipality of Urucara) was chosen to
host the study because it is known as one of the major hotspots for
malaria outbreaks. In Jabote, traditional prevention methods could
not be easily applied, meaning that malaria had become as common as a
cold.

In late 2008, the project kicked off: Interceptor nets were placed
in all houses in Jabote. Residents were also coached on how to use
the product and the purpose it served. From that point on, monthly
monitoring revealed astonishing results: In 2007, when 132 people
lived in the community, there were 465 cases of malaria. That
translates to an infection rate of 3.52 cases per person, meaning
that each person in Jabote contracted malaria at least three times a
year. In 2010, with a population of 200 people, the rate of malaria
was reduced to only 0.12 cases per capita. For every 12 people, only
one acquired the disease.

The positive spiral effects spread throughout the community. The
burden of malaria had prevented children from regularly attending
school. But with the dramatic reduction in malaria cases, going to
school was possible again. Literacy objectives were achieved in just
two years. These effects typify one of the major targets of the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals, namely that a healthier,
more educated population is key to sustainably support poverty
reduction.

Interceptor is a result of BASF leadership both in textile
chemistry and agricultural products. A polymer binder system is
combined with Fendona®, a fast-acting BASF insecticide, and applied
directly to the fibers of the nets in a unique, proprietary treatment
process. This regulates a continuous, slow and controlled release of
the insecticide and ensures long term effectiveness, knocking down
and killing malaria-transmitting mosquitoes even after 3 years of
use.

With its commitment to improving public health and its innovative
portfolio of products, BASF is convinced that supporting and engaging
in simple, local projects can bring life-changing results, like those
experienced in Jabote. The goal is not only to prevent malaria from
spreading, but also to fortify good ideas and initiatives that impact
those most exposed to the disease. One step at a time.

About the Crop Protection division

With sales of E4.0 billion in 2010, BASF's Crop Protection
division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the
farming industry providing well-established and innovative
fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products
and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses
include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and
ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to
turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Crop
Protection division is to be the world's leading innovator,
optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus
enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further
information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us
on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro

Pressekontakt:
Barbara Aguiar
Phone: +49 621 60-28013
barbara.aguiar@basf.com

BASF SE
Crop Protection division
Global Communications
67117 Limburgerhof
www.basf.com