Will scented soap curb the malaria epidemic?

Malaria threatens millions of people in Africa. Soap created by two engineers from Burkina Faso has become a hope for combating the devastating power of the disease. Mosquito-repellent soap could help prevent infections. Goal – save 100,000 lives The soap concept was developed as part of a campaign that aims to save 100,000 lives in regions of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda by the end of 2018. If the crowdfunding effort is successful, Faso Soap will undergo testing in a specialized laboratory and be available for sale in 2017. Shea butter, coconut oil, lemongrass oil The active mosquito-repelling ingredient was formulated with an extract of essential oils , including lemongrass. These were stabilized in the form of a cosmetic product – soap. Coconut oil and shea butter served as the fatty base. During the development of the prototypes, the goal was to achieve the best possible organoleptic properties, perfecting the scent and tactile sensation. The resulting composition is said to repel mosquitoes for at least six hours after application. Furthermore, the soap will also kill insect larvae. Soap offers a low-cost way to eradicate malaria The majority of the African population lives on the brink of poverty. Soap is meant to be accessible and affordable for those who can't afford medicine, insect repellent, or mosquito nets. People will always buy soap because it's not only used for washing but also for washing clothes. Malaria is a serious problem, but efforts to eradicate it are worthwhile. According to the World Health Organization, since 2000, mortality from the disease has fallen by 60%, and among new cases by more than a third. In Africa, mortality has fallen by 65%, including among children under five. Malaria takes its toll mainly among children An estimated 430,000 people die from malaria each year. Ninety percent of this number are in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of those who die are children under the age of five. Malaria claims a child's life in Africa every two minutes. Gerard Niyondiko and Moctar Dembele's project, conceived during their studies, aims to be a weapon in the fight against this devastating disease. Their concept won the top prize at the 2013 Global Social Ventures Competition, beating out competitors from 40 countries.