Scientists eye gene-drive mosquitoes to end malaria

ARUSHA: HEALTH researchers, scientists and other stakeholders have said Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes (GDMM) technology could become a key tool in Tanzania’s efforts to eliminate malaria and achieve zero local transmission.

The remarks were made on the sidelines of the 33rd Joint Annual Scientific Conference organised by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Arusha recently.

Principal Research Scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Dr Dickson Lwetoijera, said the technology seeks to genetically modify mosquitoes so they can no longer transmit malaria parasites.

“Through Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes technology, our goal is not to eliminate mosquitoes but to alter their genetic traits so that they are unable to carry and transmit malaria parasites. As a result, even when they bite humans, they cannot cause malaria infection,” Dr Lwetoijera said.

He said the research began in 2009 through a collaboration between the Ifakara Health Institute and the National Institute for Medical Research under the oversight of the Vice-President’s Office (Environment).

According to Dr Lwetoijera, the research is still at the laboratory stage and no genetically modified mosquitoes have been released into the environment.

He noted that environmental release could be considered within the next five to seven years, subject to successful scientific assessments and approval by relevant regulatory authorities.

Dr Lwetoijera said Ukerewe Island has been identified as a potential site for preliminary trials due to its geographical characteristics, which would make it easier to monitor outcomes and assess the effectiveness of the technology.

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NIMR Principal Research Scientist, Dr Alphaxard Manjurano, said community engagement remains a critical component of the research process.

“The research is intended to benefit communities. It is therefore important that citizens receive accurate information, understand what is being done and have an opportunity to express their views,” he said.

Dr Manjurano added that through its Mwanza Research Centre, NIMR has been conducting studies in Ukerewe to identify mosquito species, map breeding habitats and assess their contribution to malaria transmission in preparation for future trials.

Speaking at the conference, Head of Vector Control at the Ministry of Health’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), Charles Mwalimu, underscored the importance of scientific research in guiding malaria interventions.

“Scientific research provides evidence that helps determine which interventions are most effective under different transmission conditions and in different settings,” he said. According to Mr Mwalimu, malaria control strategies are tailored to the level of transmission in specific areas.

“In regions with high malaria burden, we prioritise interventions with the greatest impact, including the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the management of mosquito breeding sites,” he said.

He added that the National Malaria Control Programme continues to rely on evidence based approaches to guide the implementation of interventions aimed at reducing malaria transmission and ultimately achieving elimination.