Nairobi, Kenya – January 31, 2025 – The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates SC Johnson on the launch of its new manufacturing line for Guardian™ spatial repellents at SC Johnson Kenya. This investment which at capacity will be able to produce up to 20 million units annually, reaching 20 million people per year, is part of efforts to strengthen Africa’s ability to locally produce malaria prevention tools, increasing access to affordable, innovative solutions for communities most at risk.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at SC Johnson Kenya in Nairobi, brought together SC Johnson leadership, the End Malaria Council-Kenya, ALMA, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and local media. This milestone aligns with Africa’s vision for self-reliance in healthcare, as outlined in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa and the operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency.

Africa cannot continue to rely on imported medicines and vector control tools for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen local pharmaceutical production. We are pleased that SC Johnson is demonstrating its commitment to building Africa’s manufacturing capacity and supporting long-term health security, by transferring the requisite technology to manufacture Guardian™ spatial repellents in Kenya.

Anthony Okara, ALMA Special Ambassador

Field testing has demonstrated that the spatial repellents, can repel mosquitoes for up to a year, providing protection for families against multiple mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, dengue and leishmaniasis. . Local production of the tool will not only enhance the access and availability to those most in need  but also impact lives across Africa.

This innovation comes at a time when malaria elimination efforts face growing challenges, including insecticide resistance, climate change, and funding gaps—a ‘perfect storm’ threatening to reverse progress. Overcoming these obstacles requires a coordinated ‘big push’, bringing together governments, private sector leaders, and communities to scale up prevention and treatment tools.

SC Johnson has been a long-standing private sector partner in malaria control, funding clinics, supporting the Kenya End Malaria Council, and investing in research and development. The launch of this manufacturing line in Kenya reinforces the importance of public-private collaboration in delivering life-saving innovations to the communities that need them most.

We must continue to invest in innovation, strengthen local manufacturing, and advocate for policies that support the rapid adoption of life-saving tools. Thank you, SC Johnson, for leading the way in technology transfer. We look forward to working with you to assess community acceptance of this tool and advocate for its widespread uptake, supporting stronger health systems for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Dr. Willis Akhwale, representing the End Malaria Council Kenya

Looking ahead, SC Johnson anticipates World Health Organization (WHO) approval for its spatial repellents later this year. By 2026, the company plans to scale up access to these repellents in at-risk communities and humanitarian settings.

About SC Johnson: For over 65 years, SC Johnson has been at the forefront of insect-borne disease prevention, developing solutions under its globally recognized brands, including Raid®, OFF!®, and Baygon®. The company’s Base of the Pyramid Group has played a crucial role in malaria control, ensuring that prevention products reach the most underserved communities. As a leading global manufacturer of household pest control products, SC Johnson is driven by a mission to create a healthier world free from insect-borne diseases. The company actively invests in malaria prevention, innovation, and local manufacturing through partnerships with governments, NGOs, and public health organizations. Through its SC Johnson Healthier World Initiative, it continues to advance research, expand access to life-saving vector control tools, and support efforts to eliminate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases across Africa.