Djibouti takes on malaria outbreak with genetically modified mosquitoes
In a proactive move, Djibouti has introduced genetically modified mosquitoes to address the escalating malaria crisis triggered by an invasive vector species. Learn how this innovative approach is combating the surge in malaria infections in the East African nation.
Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released in Djibouti, a small country in East Africa, to help fight against a rise in malaria infections caused by a new mosquito species.
This intervention began on Thursday in Djibouti, a nation with a population of just over a million people, as it faces a significant increase in malaria cases. The World Health Organization reports that the number of cases has surged from 27 in 2012 to over 70,000 in recent years. The sudden rise is attributed to the introduction of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species from Asia known for spreading the deadly disease.
The mosquito species Anopheles Stephensi has been found in Ethiopia and Somalia, countries neighboring Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. This poses a significant regional threat.
Anopheles Stephensi is different from other malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa as it prefers urban areas over rural ones. This makes it a bigger public health concern for Djibouti, which is mainly urban.
Mosquito Feeding, Female Anopheles Gambiae, Malaria Vector, Parasite.
Mosquito Feeding, Female Anopheles Gambiae, Malaria Vector, Parasite.
BSIP/UIG via Getty Images
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African scientists have the potential to eliminate malaria by editing mosquito DNA. Grey Frandsen, the CEO of Oxitec, a US biotechnology company, expressed concern about the threat posed by mosquitoes in the fight against malaria. The gene-modified mosquitoes developed by Oxitec have been released in Djibouti.
Djibouti health minister Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh informed CNN that Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes are difficult to control with traditional methods, resistant to insecticides, and active during the day, making bed nets less effective. He mentioned that Djibouti is testing a new technology created by Oxitec, which he believes has the potential to significantly reduce the spread of malaria and could be a game-changer in the fight against the disease.
“We are in the pilot phase, but we believe in the technology. We are sure it will be the game changer,” Abdilleh said.
‘Using mosquitoes to fight mosquitoes’
Oxitec's genetic technology is known for using mosquitoes to combat mosquitoes. This innovative approach focuses on targeting female mosquitoes, as they are the main carriers of malaria.
The process involves releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes into the environment. These males then breed with females, passing on a gene that hinders the survival of female offspring. This effectively decreases the population of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. It's important to note that male mosquitoes do not bite, so they cannot transmit malaria.
Frandsen mentioned that Oxitec's genetic technology, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has successfully decreased mosquito-borne viral diseases like dengue fever in various regions worldwide.
FILE - This 2014 photo made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a feeding female Anopheles gambiae mosquito. The species is a known vector for the parasitic disease malaria. The United States has seen five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos in the last two months...the first time there's been local spread in 20 years. There were four cases detected in Florida and one in Texas, according to a health alert issued Monday, June 26, 2023, by the CDC. (James Gathany/CDC via AP, File)
In a photo from 2014, a female Anopheles gambiae mosquito is shown feeding. This species is known to spread the parasitic disease malaria. Recently, there have been five cases of malaria transmitted by mosquitoes in the United States. This is the first time local transmission has occurred in 20 years. The cases were reported in Florida and Texas, with four in Florida and one in Texas. The information was shared in a health alert issued by the CDC on June 26, 2023. (James Gathany/CDC via AP, File)
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"Our technology has been shown to decrease populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever, by as much as 95% in cities in Brazil. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in urban areas in Djibouti and other regions," he shared with CNN.
"While we are in the initial phases of this initiative, we are optimistic about the potential for reducing the number of mosquitoes that spread malaria," he further explained.
The rollout of genetically modified mosquitoes in Djibouti is the second of its kind in Africa, sparking increased interest across the continent.
Back in 2019, a group of scientists introduced the first batch of gene-modified mosquitoes in Burkina Faso, aiming to understand how effective this technique could be in a country where malaria is a major health concern.
Target Malaria, a research alliance focusing on vector control, shared that in a West African country, mosquitoes were genetically modified to be sterile. This means they can mate but cannot produce offspring.
The organization reported that around 14,850 gene-modified male mosquitoes were released, with 527 of them being recaptured.
The researchers found that the genetically modified mosquitoes, after being recaptured, were less mobile and had lower survival rates compared to their non-transgenic siblings. The alliance stated that a second trial phase is being planned in the country.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni revealed in early January that his country is teaming up with Oxitec to fight against malaria.
Africa bears the brunt of the global malaria burden, accounting for 96% of malaria deaths worldwide in 2021, according to the World Health Organization.
Editor's P/S:
The deployment of genetically modified mosquitoes in Djibouti to combat malaria presents a promising and innovative approach. By targeting female mosquitoes, which are primarily responsible for disease transmission, this technology aims to reduce the population of malaria-carrying insects. The success of similar initiatives in other regions, such as Brazil, where dengue fever transmission was significantly decreased, offers hope for the effectiveness of this method.
While the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Djibouti marks an important step in the fight against malaria, it is crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before widespread adoption. The long-term ecological and health implications of this technology need to be carefully evaluated. Ongoing trials and studies, such as those conducted in Burkina Faso and Uganda, will provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of this approach. It is imperative that we approach this innovation with a balance of optimism and scientific rigor to ensure the best possible outcomes in the battle against this devastating disease.
