About the MAÏA Project
MAÏA – The pomade that really repels mosquitoes – is a groundbreaking initiative in the fight against malaria. Born out of a mission to protect vulnerable populations in Africa, particularly young children who are most at risk, MAÏA emerged after years of close collaboration among experts in micro-encapsulation, botany, sociology, and entomology. The project originally began as an anti-mosquito soap and, upon discovering that 80% of children under 5 were receiving pomade every evening, the focus shifted to a more effective solution: a 2-in-1 pomade that deeply hydrates skin with nourishing shea butter and repels malaria-carrying mosquitoes for over 8 hours. This innovative approach addresses both everyday personal care and critical health protection.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
MAÏA is not just a cosmetic product – it’s an essential health aid that combines everyday skin care with long-lasting protection against malaria. The key benefits and facts that underscore its impact include:
- Dual-action formula: deeply hydrates the skin with shea butter while repelling mosquitoes.
- Effective protection: repels malaria-carrying mosquitoes for more than 8 hours, with outdoor tests in Burkina Faso and Tanzania demonstrating up to 9.5 hours of complete protection.
- User-friendly: systematically used on children under 5 in regions with limited healthcare access.
- Naturally inspired: formulated mainly with ingredients native to West Africa such as cotton oil, beeswax, and shea butter, combined with petroleum jelly and a synthetic repellent.
- Scientifically validated: developed after over 250 laboratory mosquito tests and rigorous outdoor evaluations following WHO protocols.
Formulation and Safety Assurance
The formulation of MAÏA is rooted in extensive research and testing. Three independent toxicity studies – conducted at AtoutREACH in Paris, the Institute of Research in Health Sciences in Ouagadougou, and Idea in Bordeaux – have confirmed that the pomade can be used daily without posing any health risks. The results are clear: MAÏA is safe for use even on young children over 6 months old, provided that care is taken to avoid contact with the eyes. This safety profile, combined with its ability to combat a disease that claimed 608,000 lives in 2022 (with 90% of those victims being young children in Africa), reinforces MAÏA’s position as a vital tool in regions where malaria inflicts heavy burdens on communities.
Natural Ingredients and User-Friendly Design
The creation of MAÏA was an exercise in marrying tradition with modern science. It incorporates natural ingredients from West Africa renowned for their cosmetic benefits – including shea butter, cotton oil, and beeswax – and brilliantly combines them with petroleum jelly and a synthetic repellent. This balanced formula not only nourishes the skin but also provides long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. The design of the pomade is simple and intuitive, making it easy for families to incorporate into their daily routines. Typically applied in the early evening around 5 PM, when Anopheles mosquitoes begin to bite, MAÏA ensures that even in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, protection against malaria is only a swipe away.
Research, Testing, and Real-World Impact
Before reaching the market, MAÏA underwent rigorous testing both in the laboratory and in real-world environments. Over 250 laboratory tests helped pinpoint an optimal formulation, and subsequent outdoor tests in Burkina Faso (at the National Center for Research and Training on Malaria) and Tanzania (at the Ifakara Health Institute) confirmed its efficacy. These tests adhered strictly to WHO protocols, and scientific articles published in the Malaria Journal in 2021 provided independent validation of the pomade’s ability to protect against malaria vector mosquitoes for as long as 8 to 9.5 hours. These thorough evaluations make MAÏA a reliable and effective tool in the ongoing battle against malaria, ensuring that families in high-risk areas can enjoy peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Global Relevance and Accessibility
MAÏA’s impact is felt far beyond its immediate health benefits. With a commitment to social responsibility and accessibility, the project has been priced to be affordable for families across Africa. Available in an individual 100ml format at 900F CFA in Burkina Faso and Mali (or 1000F CFA in Côte d’Ivoire) and a family 250ml format at 1900F CFA in Burkina Faso and Mali (or 2000F CFA in Côte d’Ivoire), MAÏA has been carefully positioned as an attainable solution for daily protection. Currently marketed in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo, the pomade is on a steady course for expansion into other West African nations. Its availability through designated points of sale and a dedicated website (www.maia-africa.com/boutiques) exemplifies how innovation can merge with accessibility to create real-world impact.
MAÏA Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Enhancing protection against malaria and reducing the disease’s prevalence.
- SDG 1 – No Poverty: Easing the economic burden of malaria on families, especially in underserved regions.
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Contributing to reduced absenteeism in schools by preventing malaria-related illnesses.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Providing an affordable, effective product to populations that lack comprehensive healthcare access.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MAÏA in Africa
MAÏA stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the ongoing fight against malaria. Its continuous evolution—from an anti-mosquito soap to a highly effective pomade—illustrates the power of targeted research and community involvement. With an impressive B Corp score of 100, the project epitomizes a blend of social, environmental, and health-related commitments. The journey of MAÏA shows that everyday products can be transformed into life-saving tools and that even small innovations can have a profound impact. With plans to expand its reach, increase points of sale, and further optimize its formula, MAÏA is on track to make daily protection accessible to ever more families in malaria-prone regions… the future looks promising for a product that truly repels mosquitoes and saves lives.
