In Bagamoyo, Tanzania the Ifakara Health Institute is developing a new weapon in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases through the "SEGEPE" project. This initiative aims to create second-generation passive emanators—devices that repel mosquitoes without direct contact.

SEGEPE stands for “The Development of second generation passive emanators to reduce mosquito biting behavior”

Led by Principal Investigator Masoud Suleiman and Project Leader Dr. Mgeni Mohamed Tambwe, the project combines existing insecticides with new repellents to combat mosquito resistance. Key objectives include testing eleven chemical compounds and essential oils, developing user-friendly and portable prototypes that offer at least four weeks of protection, and tracking the effectiveness of the repellents.

Funded by the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research through the Regents of the University of California, the SEGEPE project runs from January 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2026. 

This research promises a new generation of repellents to better protect against mosquito bites and related diseases.