Coconuts Used to Prevent Malaria

Instituto de Medicina Tropical

Coconuts Used to Prevent Malaria

Contact Solution Provider

Dr. Palmira Ventosilla
Instituto de Medicina Tropical
Lima
Peru
(51-1) 4823910
IMTAVH@oficinas-upch.pe

Solution Overview & Benefits

Coconuts naturally incubate a strain of bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or Bti. Bti produce a toxin that kills mosquito larvae. By cutting a hole into a coconut, inserting a swab of Bti and sealing the hole with candle wax, the bacteria can grow as the coconut ferments. When the coconut is ready, it is placed in a pond or other breeding site for mosquitoes, where it will do its job of cutting down on the mosquito population.

History & Development

Bti is already produced commercially for its larvae-killing potential. However, the cost of importing large quantities of the bacteria can prohibit its usage in many areas. Microbiologist Dr. Palmira Ventosilla and her team developed the coconut method in Peru, which has the highest malaria rates in Latin America.

Availability

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Worldwide
Available online: yes