Stephen Anderson – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Madagascar – personally helped protect a few residents of central Madagascar from malaria on Nov. 20.

After learning about the spraying process, Anderson put on personal protective equipment and conducted indoor residual spraying (IRS) in a home in Ambatondradama fokontany in Vinaninony commune, Faratsiho district.

The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Africa Indoor Residual Spraying (AIRS) project, led by Abt Associates, conducted an IRS campaign there earlier this year. The project has protected more than 28 million people from malaria since the project began in August 2011.

“Malaria is one of the most significant health concerns in Madagascar, but the key here is that it can be avoided,” Anderson said during the visit. “Indoor residual spraying is an effective way to kill the malarial mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission, and the U.S. is pleased to be partnering in Madagascar in this effort.”

AIRS has sprayed in the country’s Central Highlands and southern areas since 2012. This year a pilot campaign was conducted successfully in eastern Madagascar, where malaria transmission is high and perennial.