Nosquito | Anti-malaria mosquito bait

The Nosquito bait was developed in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to reduce malaria in Kenya and neighbouring countries by making a low-cost, widely distributable mosquito bait. The bait attracts mosquitoes using a sugary liquid in combination with a non-hazardous toxic called Ivermectin that kills the mosquitoes. The user acceptance, usability and effectiveness of the bait were tested in Mombasa and Kilifi, Kenya.

Working principle
The tocix-sugar mixture is poured into the top reservoir. Through small holes in this reservoir, the liquid drips into the sponge underneath. The liquid then drips through the sponge into the lower reservoir, from where it can be absorbed by the sponge again, wetting the full surface of the sponge. After filling, the bait is hung in a mosquito rich area of the house. The mosquitoes are attracted by the sugar and dark, covered environment the bait offers. After feeding on the sponge, the mosquito will fly away and die after about 48 hours.

Research
The Nosquito bait was designed to be distributed through MSF’s channels, using local ambassadors and community hubs. A key element to ensure successful distribution and usage throughout the Kenian neighbourhoods is acceptance of the public. To understand these potential users we went into the local communities with the some of MSF’s local ambassadors and the designed bait and researched public opinion. As foreigners not speaking the local language we put a lot of emphasis on showing respect and connecting to the people using visual aids. The second part of this research consisted of testing the usability of the bait with the same group of ambassadors and local volunteers. We performed a series of workshops with small focus groups in the local community hub. Lastly, the effectiveness of the bait was tested with entomologists at the Kilifi Medical Research Institute.

Nosquito photo diary