Gharda Chemicals Ltd to supply formulations to curb Zika Outbreak

MUMBAI: With Zika being declared by WHO as a global threat, scientists across the world are working on curbing the spread of the dreaded virus - the latest to join the fray being Google, who has partnered with UNICEF to map the spread of the virus. In an important fillip to the 'Make in India' campaign, home-grown Gharda Chemicals Limited is steadily supplying WHO approved formulations to control the mosquito

Aedes aegyptii which transmits the dreaded Zika virus, that has been rapidly spreading in South America and the Caribbean. The Zika virus is linked to an increase in the incidence of birth defects. With the first case being reported in Brazilin May 2015, the Zika virus could potentially infect 4 million people by the end of the year according to the WHO. The Aedes aegyptii also spreads dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.

A host of companies have announced their research on the Zika vaccine but experts believe that it could be years away. There is currently no cure or vaccine for the Zika virus. The management of the outbreak is currently focused on reducing the populations of the Aedes mosquito that carry the Zika virus.

WHO recommends the following products manufactured by Gharda Chemicals Limited for the control of mosquito

Aedes, both adults and larvae.

For adult mosquitoes:

- Deltamethrin EC, SC, WP, ULV, WG formulations

- Alphacypermethrin SC and WP formulations

For mosquito larvae in water bodies:

- Temephos EC and GR formulations

- Chlorpyrifos EC formulation

Dr. K.N. Singh, Vice-President, Gharda Chemicals Limited said, "Gharda Chemicals can supply quality and effective products based on Deltamethrin, Alphacypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos and Temephos for the control of all types of mosquitoes viz.

Aedes, Anapheles and Culex in its larval and adult stages to mitigate a global healthcare emergency."

"Innovation combined with R&D has marked the rise of the company with many awards in the basket for process innovation and export performance," added Dr. Singh.

Gharda Chemicals Limited has been steadily growing and has a strong presence across the globe. Besides being a winner of multiple awards; the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of the company, Dr. Keki Hormusji Gharda has been honored by the Government of India with the prestigious Padma Shri.