AGAMal, in collaboration with the Goizper Group and Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), participated in field trials for a newly developed tool for IRS training and monitoring. The tool known as the iK Smart Light (iKSL) device was developed by the Goizper Group, a leading manufacturer and marketer of manual sprayers and supplier of the iK spray pumps used in AGAMal’s IRS operations. The iKSL device seeks to provide guidance on achieving the required parameters for effective spraying while capturing data on the spray operator’s daily output at the same time. This is a follow-up to the 2021 trial of the first iKSL prototype, which appeared bulky, heavy, and not robust enough due to frequent breakdowns. This year’s trial lasted for the entire spray season, with a total of one hundred (100) selected spray operators from the Obuasi and Wa Municipal Operational teams participating. Before the trial this year, a team comprising Inigo Garmendia, Geoffrey Njoroge and Umar Janogo of the Goizper Group, and Andre Deyi Saibu of IVCC embarked on a week-long visit to AGAMal in Obuasi in May. The objectives of the visit were to introduce the improved iKSL device based on the recommendations from the 2021 trial, train participants on its use, and provide operational support for the start of the trial. The week-long visit saw the installation and setting up of the device and its corresponding application on the spray pumps and the Supervisory App, respectively. It also included training of trial participants on the proper care and use of the device and management and transfer of data between the iKSL and the Supervisory App. New to this trial was the introduction of an online dashboard for managing data transferred from the device after the day’s work to assess the output work
of spray operators. The interface gives the user a snapshot of the day’s performance with respect to the number of rooms sprayed, the amount of insecticide used, and the average distance and speed of the spray operator, which indicates the efficiency of spraying. Observation and feedback from the field trial indicate that the device is lighter and more robust as it remained functional throughout the entire trial period. Users download data seamlessly from the device. After using the improved iKSL, Seth Aggrey, a Spray Operator in Obuasi, had this to say; “I have seen some significant improvements compared to the one used last year. The device is now more robust and lighter, and the recordings are very efficient. So I am happy with it”. The device is seen as a valuable tool for conducting IRS supervision and has an excellent potential to reduce the cost of training and ensure efficiency in using insecticides on the field. AGAMal is looking forward to the swift certification leading the large-scale field deployment of the device for IRS operations soon.