Agriculture industry unites to beat malaria

BASF and the world's leading crop protection companies have announced a new commitment called "ZERO by 40" to support the research, development and supply of innovative products to save lives and help eradicate malaria by 2040.

“Next Wednesday is World Malaria Day, but for half of our world, every day is a fight against this devastating disease. Malaria causes sickness and death, reduces productivity, fuels poverty and creates hunger, especially in impoverished, rural farming communities. The "ZERO by 40" commitment will connect the smartest minds in public health and science, and I am truly optimistic that it will be a force for change. We can be the generation to end malaria.”
Saori Dubourg, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE

The "ZERO by 40" Commitment

Industry collaboration between BASF, Bayer, Mitsui, Sumitomo and Syngenta.
Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UK-based IVCC (Innovative Vector Control Consortium).
The companies are already a driving force behind the development of bednets and indoor spraying.
Commitment to develop innovative mosquito control solutions that address the challenge of insecticide resistance and help eradicate malaria by 2040.

The story behind Interceptor® G2 Learn more about this new resistance-beating mosquito net. Listen as the scientists and developers behind Interceptor® G2 talk about the challenges, the highs and lows, and what this breakthrough means for them personally.

Every year, more than one billion people suffer from mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile Virus and yellow fever. Malaria alone affects over 200 million people and kills 429,000 every year.

Thanks to concerted global action and investment, malaria cases have fallen by 21% since 2010 and death rates by 29%. An estimated 6.8 million lives, primarily young children, have been saved since 2001. But although dramatic progress is being made, diseases transmitted by insect vectors such as mosquitoes, remain a global threat.

Join BASF in the fight against disease. Read how controlling the mosquitoes and insects that spread these illnesses is a critical investment in the future; resulting in fewer sick people, better school attendance, stronger economies and a healthier, brighter future for entire communities.

Click here to read more about BASF's Public Health business

Values create value

The mission of BASF’s Public Health business is to improve the quality of life for people around the globe through disease prevention. We accomplish this goal by working with the international community, including international health, government and humanitarian organizations, to provide innovative vector control products and programs.

Commitment to sustainable development

As the world’s leading chemical company, we recognize that sustainable development is central to our long-term growth. That’s why sustainability is an integral part of BASF’s strategy. For us, sustainable enterprise means combining long-term oriented economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a future worth living for coming generations.

BASF has been recognized for its commitment to furthering this critical mission. A founding member of the United Nations Global Compact and Global Compact LEAD, a new platform established in 2011 for corporate sustainability leadership, BASF has also been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for 15 consecutive years. Our Public Health team is active in the international malaria community, representing BASF on numerous taskforces, including the World Health Organization malaria policy group and working groups on neglected tropical diseases, integrated vector management and long-lasting insecticidal nets.

Powerhouse behind our expertise

BASF’s Public Health business is part of the Crop Protection division and benefits from the innovative strength of an extensive research and development pipeline and global expertise in insecticides. The division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides to improve crop yields and quality. Other uses include structural and urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population.

Prevention
BASF's public health products - long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual wall sprays and larvicides - protect people, day and night from the mosquitoes that spread disease.

Partnership
BASF partners with development and aid organizations that are trying to put an end to vector-borne disease and improve health systems in countries affected by these debilitating illnesses.

Product Innovation
Mosquitoes are becoming resistant to existing insecticides. BASF is launching a new generation of products to combat mosquito-borne disease.