Scientists unveil new genetic tools to fight malaria

MOROGORO: THE fight against malaria in Tanzania has received a major boost as scientists unveil new genetic tools designed to eradicate the deadly disease.

The initiative is part of Transmission Zero, an international research programme focused on developing advanced genetic approaches to stop malaria transmission.

The project aims to genetically modify mosquitoes so they are unable to carry and transmit the malaria parasite.

Speaking about the initiative, Principal Research Scientist at the Ifakara Health Institute and Director of Transmission Zero in Tanzania, Dr Dickson Lwetoijera described the approach as a groundbreaking advancement for the country and the African continent at large.

“For quite some time, we have relied on mosquito nets, insecticide spraying and antimalarial drugs as the main tools in our fight against malaria,” he said.

He added: “This new approach introduces an innovative, long-term solution by targeting the mosquito’s ability to transmit the disease.”

The research represents a potential turning point in Tanzania’s efforts to eliminate malaria, which remains one of the country’s most persistent public health threats.

“However, over time, mosquitoes have developed resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs, significantly reducing the effectiveness of these traditional methods,” Dr Lwetoijera told journalists on Wednesday.

The ‘Transmission Zero’ programme is a collaborative effort between researchers at Imperial College London (UK), the Ifakara Health Institute and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Switzerland.

The initiative has successfully produced Africa’s first transgenic mosquito strain — mosquitoes genetically modified to block malaria transmission.

According to Dr Lwetoijera, these mosquitoes are not intended to be destroyed. Instead, the focus is on altering their genetic makeup so they can no longer carry the malaria parasite.

The modification is heritable, meaning it can be passed on to future generations of mosquitoes, potentially reducing malaria transmission over time.

Malaria continues to pose a major global health threat, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an estimated 263 million cases of malaria and 597,000 deaths, with 94 percent of cases and 95 percent of deaths occurring in the African region.

In response, the government has maintained strong efforts to combat the disease through various health interventions and public health strategies.

Recently, Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama announced a notable reduction in malaria-related deaths in the country from 6,311 in 2015 to just 1,503 in 2024, a result attributed to sustained government and partner-led initiatives.

As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria, the government has launched the second phase of larvicide distribution, targeting all 184 local government councils across the country.

In addition, a long-term genetic research project, initiated approximately six years ago, is progressing steadily. The initiative is projected to cost around 10 million US dollar upon completion, with initial infrastructure for research activities already underway.

Dr Alexander Bailey of Imperial College London explained that the project seeks to develop and apply gene drive technologies to suppress malaria by altering mosquito populations at the genetic level.

He stressed that the process from laboratory development to field application is both complex and lengthy.

“The current challenge lies in preparing for eventual field trials in ensuring thorough scientific risk assessments and engaging communities, policymakers, and regulators in a transparent and inclusive process,” he said.