Phifer insect screening used in malaria research

The Ifakara Health Institute, one of Africa’s eminent health research organizations, is using Phifer’s 18X14 fiberglass insect screening to cover structures for malaria research in Tanzania, East Africa.

While building the structures, the IHI realized a need for durable screening with a specific mesh count, as well as UV resistance.

“The screen houses allow us to test our eradication techniques in a ’natural’ and safe environment with uninfected mosquitoes,” said Jason Moore, IFI project manager. “Such research is cutting-edge in the field as results are far more representative of what happens in nature compared to the usual, small caged experiments.”

Woven from permanent glass yarn, Phifer’s fiberglass screen is coated with protective vinyl to ensure lasting color and flexibility. The screen will not rust, corrode or stain.

Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the IHI conducts a wide range of health-related research, including biomedical and environmental studies, drug trials, vaccines and diagnostics, health-systems research, monitoring and evaluation. The institute is best-known for its contributions to malaria research.

The work in the IHI’s entomology department centers on researching and combating malaria, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, affects more than 200 million each year and killed more than 600,000 in 2010, mostly in the African region. Work focuses on finding ways to control the disease with the goal of malaria eradication.