Diane Sagbohan is one of six women spray operators among the 265 trained spray operators who volunteered to participate in the first insecticide residential spray (IRS) campaign in Benin. Diane is native of Seme Kpodji, one of the four communes of Benin selected for spray operations. Seme Kpodji is well known as a commune that suffers from high rates of malaria transmission and deadly illnesses.

In December 2006, Benin was selected as one of 15 countries to receive funding from the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). The program is designed to reduce malaria deaths by 50% by achieving 85% coverage of the most vulnerable groups - principally pregnant women and children under five years of age - with preventive and therapeutic interventions and. PMI uses four highly effective interventions: treatment with lifesaving anti-malarial drugs; insecticide-treated mosquito nets; preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy; and indoor spraying of homes with insecticides.

Diane is 23 years old and the mother of a two year old boy. In her professional life, Diane Sagbohan is employed as a clerk typist, but she wanted to join the fight against malaria. When asked what motivated her to become a spray operator, an activity where men are a majority, Diane responded that it was an exceptional opportunity to participate in the fight against malaria, which is the most common disease in her village, and also the disease that most of people die from. ”I feel valued and useful to my community by taking part to the IRS campaign.” She added before concluding “I am motivated and ready to participate in the next campaign.”

Diane’s participation in the IRS campaign as a spray operator opens a new social dimension for women leaders in combating malaria in Benin. In her community, she is considered a pioneer in the fight against malaria and a promoter for changing the community’s behavior about malaria prevention. In the long run, the participation of Diane and the other five women will help raise awareness about malaria and induce behavior change in their communities.