Bug Band Protection & Malaria

Day-Biting Mosquitos Problem:

Malaria prevention efforts have reached a plateau, necessitating the implementation of new strategies to combat the disease. Recent studies have shown that mosquitos are now biting more frequently during the day and early evening, highlighting the need for effective protection at all times of the day.

The current methods of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), bed nets, and bait traps, are not effective during the day when away from a home or an enclosed setting.

One effective way to protect against mosquitos is to use a mosquito repellant and carry it with you at all times. Bug Band Protection offers a wearable, refillable solution that allows individuals to easily apply and reapply repellent throughout the day without the need for disposable containers.

This strategy also incorporates a local, community-based approach, with schools and health posts serving as distribution hubs for effective repellents such as DEET and natural alternatives.

By refilling and reapplying repellent using Bug Band Protection, communities can effectively combat malaria while also reducing waste and lowering costs.

Benefits:

The device is inexpensive, cost-effective and highly durable, providing long-lasting value for its users.
Its easy-to-use and comfortable design make it accessible to people of all skill levels.
Refilling the device is straightforward and does not require any additional equipment.
The device reminds and encourages the wearer to consistently apply the repellent, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
The device is environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for disposable repellent containers that can end up in landfills.
By promoting the greater distribution of repellents to others, the device incentivizes the use of a proven method for preventing mosquito bites.
The device is effective at repelling mosquitoes in situations where other methods, such as bed nets, insecticide-treated nets, and repellent shields, may be ineffective.
Its patented streaming technology sets it apart as a new and innovative solution for repelling mosquitoes.

Simply Push

Bug Band Pro is a highly effective mosquito repellent device that utilizes three carefully designed components to provide reliable protection. It is instantly refillable without the need for any additional equipment, and can hold any liquid, lotion, or gel.

A link to a quick instructions video here on Vimeo

The filled reservoir of Bug Band Pro can dispense between 60 to 90 streams of repellant, depending on the pressure applied when activating the device. It is easily accessible and can be used in any situation or environment where mosquito protection is necessary. Worn on the wrist, Bug Band Pro also serves as a reminder to apply repellent as needed.

Innovative Streaming Technology

Bug Band Pro features a unique streaming technology that utilizes a gated design to allow the reservoir to "breathe" and self-regulate. The low-density polyethylene reservoir is soft to the touch and the velcro band is comfortable to wear, making it a convenient and user-friendly solution for carrying and applying mosquito repellent.

This innovative design is the first-of-its-kind and offers a reliable and effective method for protecting against mosquito bites and the transmission of malaria.

Recent - Day Biting Studies:

In 2021 alone, 247 million new cases of malaria and 619,000 malaria related deaths have occurred in 85 countries (Source: WHO). Recent studies show that mosquito bites are now occurring 30% more frequently during the day and into the evening hours.

Scientific American - mosquitoes are biting before bed-net time

Reuters Article - Five myths about mosquitoes and malaria

Science Daily - Malaria risk is highest in early evening

Diurnal biting of malaria mosquitoes in the Central African Republic indicates residual transmission may be “out of control"

The threat of daytime mosquito bites is particularly high during the morning hours, as people are walking to school or local communities, and during work and school hours. This vulnerability continues during the evening hours before bedtime, when people are walking home and may not yet be protected by bed nets or indoor residual spraying.

Pregnant women, children under the age of five, and displaced refugees are particularly at risk of contracting malaria during these times. While insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are currently the most effective methods of preventing malaria, they do not provide protection during the day.

To address this gap in protection, we have developed an innovative tool called Bug Band Pro, a wearable device that allows individuals to carry and reapply mosquito repellent throughout the day. This is critical, as repellants are known to wear off after 3-4 hours.

In addition to providing personal protection, the refillable and wearable design of Bug Band Pro allows for the distribution and sharing of repellent with those who have not yet received it. This not only helps to reduce the transmission of malaria, but also has the added benefit of being cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, as it eliminates the need for disposable cans or bottles of repellent. Our goal is to bring this inexpensive device into the ongoing fight against malaria.

Do Mosquito Repellants Work?

Here is a visual demonstration on the effectiveness of mosquito repellants by the US Department of Agriculture.

Link from: "Inside Ed i tion" on YouTube.

A PDF from the Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) about repellants.

Link from CDC: "Insect Repellents Help Prevent Malaria"

DEET Repellants, Safety & Side Effects - Outside Magazine

These Are the Only Proven Mosquito Repellents

It is important to use caution when using repellents, particularly on a large scale, as they may have potential side effects or negative impacts on the environment. Chemical repellents, such as DEET, have been extensively tested and are known to be effective at preventing insect bites. However, they may also have potential side effects, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions, and may have negative impacts on the environment when used over a long period of time on a large scale.

There are also new developments with products that are said to be less-toxic and work better than DEET. Francesca Dani and colleagues at the University of Florence, wanted to look for alternatives to these established products.

Natural Repellants

In situations where the use of chemical repellents may be a concern, it may be worth considering natural repellents as an alternative. Natural repellents, such as lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella, are made from plant-based ingredients and may be a safer option for some people.

Other natural options include lavender, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, Greek catmint oil, soybean oil, and tea tree oil. However, it is important to note that natural repellents may not be as effective at preventing insect bites as chemical repellents in all cases.

It is important to carefully consider the potential effectiveness and side effects of different repellents before deciding which one to use. The best repellent for a given situation will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the individuals using it, as well as the potential impacts on the environment.

Transmission

Malaria is a devastating disease that claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year, with approximately two thirds of malaria-related deaths occurring among children under the age of five. This makes it one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide.

Furthermore, studies have revealed that mosquitos are more attracted to children who have malaria due to their distinct odor.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment measures to combat malaria and protect vulnerable children from this deadly disease. It is essential that we take action to safeguard the health and well-being of our young ones and work towards a future free from malaria.

"High parasite levels in the child's blood cause the child to release an odor that is very attractive to mosquitoes. Due to its irresistible scent, mosquitoes can easily find the infected child. In this way, the parasite is more likely to be transmitted to another person". (SOURCE LINK)

A mother who is able to apply a safe repellant to a child who has malaria, would potentially have a better chance at stopping mosquitos spreading malaria to others.

Method:

To effectively implement the use of Bug Band Pro and other mosquito repellents in the fight against malaria, it is important to establish a comprehensive education and distribution program. This can be achieved through the establishment of centralized hubs or "Refill Stations" in local communities such as health posts, schools, and community centers.

At these Refill Stations, individuals can refill their Bug Band Pro devices with repellant using a recycled method for larger containers. By providing easy access to repellants and educating the community on their proper use, we can ensure that individuals have the tools they need to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the transmission of malaria.

This comprehensive approach to repellent distribution and education will help to ensure that individuals have ongoing access to the protection they need to stay safe from malaria.

Below is a summarized course of action:

Powerful Potential

Bug Band Pro is a patented innovation that offers an easy and accessible way to carry and apply mosquito repellent. By wearing the device on your wrist, you are reminded to use it throughout the day and can easily share the repellant with your loved ones. This "carrying and sharing" feature not only helps to protect those closest to you, but also facilitates the exponential distribution of repellent to those at risk in mosquito-infested areas.

Bug Band Pro is a highly effective and attractive solution for protecting against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria. Its user-friendly design and cost-efficiency make it an ideal choice for wide adoption among those in need of protection. In addition to its effectiveness, Bug Band Pro is also environmentally friendly, making it a responsible and sustainable choice for repelling mosquitoes.

Overall, it is important to be flexible and open to considering a range of approaches in order to effectively implement a program. Different organizations may have implemented very successful methods in the past, and it may be useful to consider incorporating these strategies into the program as well.

1. Synchronize Adoption Plan & Suitable Partners:
Identify key partners who are aligned with the goals of the program and have the capacity to effectively implement and support it. These partners may include local NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations.
Develop a clear and comprehensive adoption plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each partner, as well as the timeline and milestones for implementation.
Regularly communicate and coordinate with partners to ensure that the program is being implemented effectively and efficiently.
2. Introduce Approach and Educate Locally:
Develop a communication and education campaign that introduces the Bug Band Pro solution to local communities and explains the benefits of using it.
Utilize a variety of communication channels, including social media, print materials, and in-person presentations, to reach a wide audience.
Provide training and support to local partners and community leaders to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to effectively promote the use of Bug Band Pro.
3. Distribute Bug Bands in Communities:
Develop a distribution plan that identifies the target communities and the number of Bug Bands needed for each location.
Work with local partners to distribute Bug Bands directly to individuals in the target communities.
Ensure that individuals receive adequate information and instructions on how to properly use and care for their Bug Bands.
4. Set up Refill Locations & Health Posts:
Identify locations within the target communities where individuals can easily access refills for their Bug Bands. These locations may include health posts, pharmacies, and community centers.
Work with local partners to establish and stock these refill locations with the necessary supplies.
Provide ongoing support and training to refill location staff to ensure that they are able to effectively serve the needs of the community.
5. Provide Ongoing Access to Safe Repellants:
Regularly restock refill locations to ensure that the supply of Bug Band Pro refills meets the demand of the community.
Develop a system for tracking and monitoring the supply of refills to ensure that there are no shortages or gaps in availability.
Work with local partners to identify and address any barriers to accessing refills, such as cost or transportation issues.
6. Monitor Progress, Health & Prevention:
Establish a system for collecting and analyzing data on the use and effectiveness of Bug Band Pro in the target communities.
Monitor the health outcomes of individuals in the target communities to assess the impact of the program on reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.
Regularly review and assess the program's progress and effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed to optimize its impact.
Work with local partners to identify and address any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the course of the program.

Challenges & Approaches

Implementing a program that aims to promote the use of a mosquito repellent solution such as Bug Band Pro can be complex and may involve a number of challenges. Some of the potential problems that may arise, and approaches for addressing them, are outlined below.

Synchronizing Adoption Plan & Suitable Partners:

Problem: Identifying and engaging suitable partners who are aligned with the goals of the program and have the capacity to effectively implement and support it.
Approach: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify potential partners and their areas of expertise and capacity. Establish clear communication and coordination channels with partners to ensure that they are informed and involved in all aspects of the program.

Introducing Approach and Educating Locally:

Problem: Developing and implementing an effective communication and education campaign that resonates with the target audience and effectively promotes the use of Bug Band Pro.
Approach: Conduct focus groups or surveys to understand the needs and preferences of the target audience, and tailor the communication and education materials accordingly. Utilize a variety of channels and approaches, such as in-person presentations, print materials, and social media, to reach a wide audience. Involve local partners and community leaders in the development and implementation of the campaign to ensure that it is culturally and contextually appropriate.

Distributing Bug Bands in Communities:

Problem: Ensuring that Bug Bands are distributed effectively and efficiently to the target communities, and that individuals receive adequate information and instructions on how to properly use and care for them.
Approach: Develop a clear and comprehensive distribution plan that outlines the target communities, the number of Bug Bands needed, and the distribution channels to be used. Utilize a variety of distribution channels, such as community health workers or retail outlets, to reach a wide audience. Provide clear and concise instructions and training to individuals on how to properly use and care for their Bug Bands.

Setting up Refill Locations & Health Posts:

Problem: Identifying appropriate locations for refill stations that are easily accessible to the target communities, and establishing and stocking these locations with the necessary supplies.
Approach: Conduct a needs assessment to identify potential refill locations that are conveniently located and accessible to the target communities. Work with local partners to establish and stock these locations with the necessary supplies. Provide ongoing training and support to refill location staff to ensure that they are able to effectively serve the needs of the community.

Providing Ongoing Access to Safe Repellants:

Problem: Ensuring that refill locations are adequately stocked with Bug Band Pro refills to meet the demand of the community, and addressing any barriers to accessing refills such as cost or transportation issues.
Approach: Develop a system for tracking and monitoring the supply of refills to ensure that there are no shortages or gaps in availability. Regularly restock refill locations to meet the demand of the community. Work with local partners to identify and address any barriers to accessing refills, such as cost or transportation issues.

Monitoring Progress, Health & Prevention:

Problem: Collecting and analyzing data on the use and effectiveness of Bug Band Pro in the target communities, and identifying and addressing any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the course of the program.
Approach: Establish a system for collecting and analyzing data on the use and effectiveness of Bug Band Pro in the target communities. Monitor the health outcomes of individuals in the target communities to assess the impact of the program on reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. Regularly review and assess the program's progress and effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed to optimize its impact.

Conclusion:

This revolutionary new innovation and strategy has the potential to be an helpful tool in the arsenal to combat malaria.

Repellents have long been known to be a very effective protection solution against mosquito bites, and this device has been designed to help distribute repellent to people who may not have easy access to it. This includes pregnant women and children who may be getting bitten during the hours that they are not under their bed nets.

One of the key benefits of the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser is that it serves as a constant reminder to apply repellent, which is especially important for children who may forget to reapply or may not have easy access to repellent during the day.

The device is also attractive to children because it is kind of like a gadget or a toy, which makes it more fun for them to use and helps them feel more involved in their own protection.

Recent studies have shown that up to 30% of mosquito bites occur during the day, when traditional prevention methods such as bed nets and bait traps are not effective. This is where the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser can make a significant difference.

This innovative product is more than just a simple mosquito repellent. It is a compact and convenient device that can be worn on the body, allowing the user to stay protected from mosquito bites at all times. But that's not all - the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser is also refillable, which means that it can be used over and over again without generating any waste.

In addition to being an effective and convenient way to protect against mosquito bites, the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser has a number of other benefits that make it an ideal tool for combating malaria.

First and foremost, the device is portable and easy to use, which makes it an ideal solution for people who are always on the go or who live in areas with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases. It is also a sustainable option, as it can be refilled with a repellent solution rather than being thrown away after just one use.

Another key benefit of the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser is that it can be distributed and used in a variety of settings, including in local communities, schools, and health clinics. This makes it an ideal tool for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, and people living in poverty.

We believe that the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser has the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against malaria, particularly for those who are at risk of being bitten during the day when traditional prevention methods are not effective.

With the right organization and education, this strategy can be implemented as soon as possible to protect people from this deadly disease.

We are excited to work with organizations to explore how the wearable mosquito repellent dispenser can be used to make a real difference in the fight against malaria.

Summary:

Our plan going forward is to develop a research program to evaluate the efficacy of such a device in combatting malaria.

To ensure the success of such a program, it is important to carefully align the adoption plan with suitable partners, introduce the approach and educate local communities, effectively distribute Bug Bands in targeted communities, set up refill locations and health posts, provide ongoing access to safe repellants, and monitor progress, health outcomes, and prevention measures.

By addressing these key components, the program can be implemented in a systematic and sustainable manner, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced incidence of mosquito-borne diseases in the target communities.

REFERENCES

CDC - "Insect Repellents Help Prevent Malaria"

The African Institute for Development Policy

Scientific American - mosquitoes are biting before bed-net time

Reuters Article - Five myths about mosquitoes and malaria

Science Daily - Malaria risk is highest in early evening

Diurnal biting of malaria mosquitoes in the Central African Republic indicates residual transmission may be “out of control"

WHO 2021 Malaria PDF