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Reckitt Unveils First-of-its-Kind Art Installation In Bhavnagar To Raise Awareness On Vector-Borne Diseases
A first-of-its-kind public installation is a reminder to invest in prevention of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases
New Delhi: World Malaria Day 2025 was observed by Reckitt on April 25. The leading global consumer health and hygiene company, through its ‘Self Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five’ program, with support of Government of Gujarat and District Health Department, Bhavnagar, reaffirmed its commitment to combat malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases. A first-of-its-kind public installation spotlighting this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends with Us – Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite.”
This public installation, themed “Malaria Ends with Us – Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite” will go a long way as a reminder to invest in prevention of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases. The installation is made from 100 per cent recycled and recyclable materials, in light with the issues of climate change. The aim is to bring the community in the state of Gujarat to actively invest their time in awareness activities and reignite a movement to see India Malaria-Free by 2030 aligning with nation’s purpose. Supported by the brand Mortein under Reckitt, sculpture is inspired by Louie the Mosquito, the face of Mortein since 1957.
This installation was curated by renowned Indian sculptor Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary, who is also celebrated for his groundbreaking creation, the World’s First Innovative Rolling Painting. Crafted from MS Rods and scrap metal, the sculpture features three large mosquito figures resting on pillars adorned with citronella grass and marigold flowers, both natural mosquito repellents. A key design element includes dynamic lighting that changes based on local malaria trends: green colour indicates low risk, orange colour signals alerts, and red colour warns of severe outbreaks. An integrated LED screen continuously displays key messages on “Know, Act, and Control” for malaria because awareness of malaria is prevention of malaria. This feature provides clear information and encourages public participation in malaria prevention and control.
This sculpture is installed in India at Sir Takhtasinhji Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar. The installation draws inspiration from various art installations across the world that have been set up to generate awareness on critical issues, such as “The Water Tank Project” in New York City to highlight global water crises and “The Umbrella Project” in Portugal to raise awareness about mental health, among many others.
Implemented by Plan India, in partnership with the National Health Mission, and the District Health Department, this initiative seeks to empower communities with knowledge and encourage proactive measures to prevent vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. The ceremony was graced by Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, along with Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor, Bhavnagar Municpal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar; Dr. Narander Kumar Meena, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, BMC, Bhavnagar; Shri Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, BMC, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chandramani Kumar, Chief District Health Officer, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chinmay Shah, Medical Superintendent (District Government Hospital) and renowned artist Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in India with 2 million estimated malaria cases in 2023, according to the World Malaria Report 2024. World Malaria Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to invest in prevention, empower communities, and strengthen our health systems. The newly unveiled 18-foot-tall mosquito sculpture stands as a striking symbol of hope and action.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in India with 2 million estimated malaria cases in 2023, according to the World Malaria Report 2024
Nimuben Bambhaniya, Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, said,
On the occasion of World Malaria Day, I am pleased to have inaugurated the striking mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, in collaboration with Reckitt and Plan India. This powerful installation serves as an important reminder of the need for public health awareness. I appreciate the efforts of the ‘Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under 5’ initiative and all the teams involved for their dedication to this cause.
Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar, said,
On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, from Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, inaugurated a mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College. On behalf of Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for the installation of the sculpture provided by Reckitt and Plan India. Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor of Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, along with Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya’s team, the Plan India team, and all of us were present. This sculpture not only enhances the beauty of the hospital premises but also During the function,plays a significant role in raising public awareness. Congratulations and best wishes to the entire team involved in this commendable initiative.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director – External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt, South Asia, said,
At Reckitt, we firmly believe that change begins with empowering people at the grassroots. Through our ‘Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five’ program, we are combining innovation with community-led action to equip families with the right knowledge and tools to stay protected from malaria. Aligned with this year’s World Malaria Day theme, ‘Malaria Ends with Us – Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite,’ our efforts focus on prevention, education, and collaboration. We are grateful to the Government of Gujarat for their support in this mission. Each step we take today strengthens the foundation of a healthier, more resilient India – and brings us closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
This initiative supports WHO’s global efforts to re-energise action towards malaria elimination by promoting grassroots education and awareness. The program includes health education on malaria symptoms and prevention by Community Health Workers (CHWs), alongside partnerships with local health departments to boost testing and surveillance. Leveraging innovative tools such as the “Malaria Suraksha Chakra” and custom-designed school kits, the campaign emphasised the role of behavior change communication (BCC) in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.
Reckitt’s installation represents a pioneering fusion of public health and public art, transforming a public space into a hub of education, engagement, and innovation. It stands not just as a work of art, but as a beacon of hope—signaling Bhavnagar’s leadership in creative health interventions and inspiring similar efforts across India and the world.
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which in its Season 10 is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In a world post COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental well-being, self-care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.