Dr. Ross Boyce, a researcher with the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, tested a military uniform treatment idea on wraps used to carry babies in many parts of Africa and South America. Would treating these baby wraps with permethrin protect babies in Uganda from malaria? The answer was yes. In a six-month study that included 400 mother-baby pairs, babies in permethrin-treated wraps had 66% fewer cases of malaria.
Now Boyce will build on the trial’s success with a $500,000 gift from Sawyer, a company that has long been recognized internationally for its commitment to clean water, insect protection and humanitarian impact. Sawyer manufactures high‑performance outdoor protection gear such as water filtration systems, insect repellents, permethrin fabric treatments and other items to keep people safe in demanding environments. This generous funding reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to practical, scalable tools that save lives and strengthen communities.
“Sawyer’s commitment allows us to accelerate the crucial work of moving this concept from research to practice. Given the simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness of the treated wraps, figuring out how to get them into the hands of mothers across the globe is a pressing issue,” said Boyce.
A child dies from malaria almost every minute, he said, stressing the critical advantage of gifts like Sawyer’s, compared with the time-consuming process of grant writing. “This gift not only recognizes that dilemma but puts action behind it.”
Read more of this article from the UNC Health Foundation.
Learn more about Dr. Boyce, this particular study, and how he inspires students.