Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Africa, affecting millions across the continent each year. Spread by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, this life-threatening disease disproportionately impacts African countries, where around 95% of global malaria cases and deaths occur. Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, and in areas with limited access to healthcare, malaria has a devastating impact on families and communities. Joan Nalubega, a fantastic social entrepreneur, is tackling one of Uganda’s most pressing health crises – malaria.
Having grown up in Uganda, she saw how malaria remained a leading cause of death, especially among children and vulnerable populations in her country. This drove her to create a meaningful solution that could protect those most affected by the disease.
In 2016, Joan Nalubega developed a unique mosquito-repellent soap that protects from mosquito bites for up to five hours. Unlike traditional repellents, which can be costly and out of reach for many rural communities, her soap makes malaria prevention as simple as bathing. That is the beauty of Uganics.
The birth of Uganics
When Nalubega was little, she missed school frequently because she always had malaria.
“Because I was very sickly and weak, I was compared to a ripe tomato,“- She shares.
The disease took a nasty toll on her health and that of those around her, as healthcare resources were limited, and preventive options were either unavailable or too costly.
The only popular prevention technique was mosquito nets, which required lying on a bed before being protected. This led her to establish Uganics, where she developed mosquito-repellent soap as a practical, everyday solution for preventing malaria.
The Uganics mosquito-repellent soap is made with a blend of plant-based essential oils known for their mosquito-repelling properties, including citronella and lemongrass. These ingredients are environmentally friendly and safe for regular use so that families can use the soap daily without health concerns.
Once applied, the soap offers up to six hours of protection, making it ideal for evening activities that expose people to mosquitoes.
This sustainable, natural, and cost-effective solution helps protect against malaria and empowers communities by reducing healthcare burdens. The mosquito repellent soap has gained local and international attention, marking the creative founder a key figure in the fight against malaria.
“As a nurse I am cautious about chemicals, especially around my family. I choose Uganics soaps because they’re natural and effective. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a safe repellent option.” – Hadija A., Nurse.
Serving the community
Uganics has created valuable employment opportunities within her community, employing around 26 people. This workforce includes local artisans trained to produce the soap and those involved in other aspects of production. They have also implemented a tiered pricing strategy that makes the mosquito-repellent soap affordable for lower-income families.
Joan Nalubega, through Uganics, has garnered significant recognition, earning her a place as a finalist in the prestigious Africa Business Heroes competition. She also attracted the attention of the Anzisha Prize, an initiative supporting young African entrepreneurs in developing sustainable solutions to pressing local challenges.
Her local solution contributes to the broader goal of improving health outcomes across the continent.
