LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Researchers across Africa are testing a new genetic approach to fight malaria, aiming to reduce mosquito populations and slow disease transmission, which remains one of the continent’s biggest health threats.
Working under Target Malaria, researchers are studying gene drive technology to either reduce the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes or stop them from passing the parasite to humans.
This approach is being considered as an addition to existing tools like bed nets, insecticides, medicines and vaccines.
The push for innovation comes at a critical time.
According to findings shared by the African Media Agency, Africa is farther from meeting the African Union goal of eliminating malaria by 2030. In over two decades, progress has slowed, raising concerns about the future of malaria control.
“Despite continued efforts, Africa remains off track to meet the African Union’s target of eliminating malaria by 2030, with progress slowing since 2015 and only a handful of countries reaching key reduction milestones.
This means researchers need to study complementary approaches that could strengthen malaria prevention to save lives.
Among these is gene drive technology, a genetic approach that scientists are investigating as a possible innovation that could complement existing interventions, such as bed nets, insecticides, drugs and vaccines,” the AMA publication read.
Health data from a recent progress report further revealed that African countries recorded over 270 million malaria cases in 2024, accounting for nearly all global infections, alongside hundreds of thousands of deaths.
Therefore, experts warn that without stronger action, cases could rise sharply in the coming years.
Also, several factors are making the fight more difficult, including reduced global funding, growing resistance to insecticides, climate-related changes and weak health systems in some regions.
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Meanwhile, scientists in this latest research continue to emphasize that gene drive technology is still in its early development. Dr Martin Lukindu, a researcher with Target Malaria, explained that the work is being carried out under strict laboratory conditions.
“There are no gene drive mosquitoes in Africa. Before any future use could be considered, extensive safety studies must be completed, followed by regulatory review in the countries where research would take place. Engagement with communities and agreement from relevant authorities would also be required.
“As scientists, our goal remains the same: reduce malaria transmission and save African lives,” Lukindu said.
Researchers maintain that the process itself is complex as they carefully modify mosquito genes at a very early stage of development using specialized tools. However, not all attempts succeed, so scientists must identify the mosquitoes that carry the desired traits and study them over several generations in controlled environments.
In addition, detailed testing is carried out to understand how these modified mosquitoes behave, how they reproduce and whether they can effectively reduce disease transmission.
Scientists also use computer models to predict how the changes might spread in real-world settings.
Notably, experts stress that transparency remains key throughout the process.
“Innovation and investment are essential in the fight against malaria, but so is transparency. People must understand how new technologies are researched, assessed and tested before they are ever considered for use,” Lukindu added.
The ongoing research highlights the urgent need for new solutions in the battle against malaria, especially at a time when traditional methods alone may no longer be enough to meet global health targets.
