Sumitomo Chemical is the co-winner of the 2012 ‘Application of Core Competence’ category – Global Business Coalition (GBC) Health Award
GBCHealth serves as a hub for private sector engagement on the world’s most pressing global health issues. The annual GBCHealth Awards recognise the best corporate programs developed to address global health needs.
Sumitomo Chemical’s award citation reads: ‘Sumitomo’s groundbreaking Olyset® technology incorporates insecticide directly into polyethylene filaments which, when woven into bed nets, provide long-lasting protection from the mosquitoes that spread malaria.
‘To get nets to users in Africa faster and to make a lasting contribution to local economic development, Sumitomo Chemical decided to establish a major manufacturing base in sub-Saharan Africa. Its joint venture with A to Z Textile Mills has become one of the largest employers in Tanzania and, together, the companies two Tanzanian factories produce 30 million nets annually.’
Dr Naohiro Takahashi, President, Sumitomo Chemical (America), said: “We are thrilled to have won the GBCHealth Award. This the second time that Olyset® Net has been recognised, via a public award, for its innovative technology and its significant contribution to the war against malaria.
“But what is especially pleasing is GBCHealth’s acknowledgement of the developmental benefits achieved by local manufacture. We wanted the largely aid-purchased Olyset® Net to make a direct contribution to fighting poverty and for the donor dollar to have more impact. Our Tanzania operation has created, at peak, 8,000 full-time jobs, with employees’ wages supporting over 25,000 people and the establishment of local businesses.”
For more information on Sumitomo Chemical’s GBCHealth Award, please see: http://www.gbchealth.org/asset/award-winner-2012-sumitomo-chemical-company-limited.