Small Fish, Shared Responsibility: SAFMI’s Work at Aberdeen Health Centre

At SAFMI, we often say that meaningful change can begin with something very small. In our case, it may begin with a few Gambusia fish living quietly inside a water tank, feeding on mosquito larvae and helping a community think differently about malaria prevention. As we know, it is the thought leads towards fate.

The tank at Aberdeen Health Centre is a good example of how our work extends beyond simply delivering fish. During maintenance visits, our team checks the condition of the water, the health of the fish and the position of the tank. It must be protected from heavy rain and direct disturbance, while remaining in a location where mosquitoes are likely to approach standing water. Finding this balance requires attention, regular care and cooperation with the people working at the facility.

The fish have also become a point of interest for staff and visitors. A tank that may initially appear simple often starts conversations: “Why are the fish there? What do they eat? How can they help control mosquito breeding?”. These questions create valuable opportunities to explain that malaria prevention does not depend on one intervention alone. Bed nets, medical treatment, public education and responsible environmental management all remain important, while biological approaches can provide an additional layer of protection, allowing not to get sick in the first place.

Aberdeen Health Centre also reminds us that the long-term success of the project depends on local participation. Our maintenance team can provide support, change the water and monitor the fish, but lasting progress is achieved when recipients understand the purpose of the tanks and take an active role in caring for them. Every well-maintained tank becomes both a practical tool and a small educational centre within the community, providing information for future generations.

Stories such as this encourage us to continue expanding our work across Freetown. Each tank placed at a clinic, school, place of worship or family home brings the malaria conversation closer to everyday life. The fish may be small, but the awareness, responsibility and hope growing around them can reach much further.

18 July, 2026