Impact Report: Tanzania

Overview:

In July 2022, Mossie-GO, in partnership with Africa Power ltd and Children of Songea, deployed 150 Mossie-GO and SolarSeed systems in Ruvuma Ward, Southern Tanzania. The goal was to explore how solar powered technologies could improve health, education, and energy access in underserved communities.

Ruvuma is home to around 27,000 people, with most households earning less than $0.65 per day and lacking access to electricity or clean water. The project targeted 150 off-grid households, providing each with a Mossie-GO mosquito control system and Solar Seed lighting unit. In total, the initiative reached more than 750 individuals, demonstrating the power of sustainable energy to drive social change.

The project was featured on BBC News Swahili as an example of innovation tackling malaria and energy poverty in East Africa.

The Challenge:

Before the project, most families relied on small kerosene lamps, known locally as korobohi or vibatari, for lighting. These lamps emit thick smoke that causes respiratory problems and eye strain, particularly for children studying at night.

Compounding this, malaria and respiratory diseases were among the most common causes of illness in the region. The combination of poor lighting, smoky air, and high mosquito exposure led to frequent absenteeism from school and work, reinforcing the cycle of poverty and poor health.

The Intervention:

The project introduced two innovations:

Mossie-GO Solar: That released controlled doses of Transfluthrin, a WHO-approved pyrethroid to reduce mosquito bites and malaria transmission.

Solar Seed: A compact solar lighting and phone charging system that provides clean, reliable energy to off-grid homes.

Engineers from Africa Power led community training sessions on device installation and use. Families quickly adopted the new systems, impressed by their brightness, ease of use, and durability compared to kerosene lamps.

Health Outcomes:

Prior to the intervention, the Ruvuma Health Clinic recorded over 110 case of malaria and upper respiratory cases per month among households supported by Children of Songea.

Following the Mossie-GO and Solar Seed rollout, those numbers fell dramatically. Between 2022-23 fewer than 10 malaria cases and 7 respiratory cases per month were recorded.
This represents a 92% reduction in disease transmission.

Beyond improved health, the reduction in clinic visits has also lowered medical expenses for families and reduced the burden on local healthcare systems.

Sustainability and SDG Alignment:

The Tanzania project directly supported multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 1 – No Poverty: Lower household costs and improved health free up income and reduce poverty.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Significant reductions in malaria and respiratory illness.
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Improved study conditions and attendance through solar lighting.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Reduced malaria risk for pregnant women and girls.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Reliable, low-cost power for off-grid communities.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Fewer sick days and stronger local productivity.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between NGOs, private enterprise, and communities.