East African Release of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Targets Urban Malaria Species
Djibouti launches pilot project Oxitec's genetically modified mosquitoes to combat malaria spread by Anopheles stephensi, aiming to reverse surge in cases caused by resilient species
In a groundbreaking move to combat malaria, tens of thousands of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes have been released in Djibouti, East Africa. These non-biting male mosquitoes, developed by the UK-based biotechnology company Oxitec, are designed to curb the spread of the invasive Anopheles stephensi species, known for transmitting malaria.
The mosquitoes, which carry a gene that kills female offspring before maturity, are part of a pilot phase under the Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Program. The initiative is a collaboration between Oxitec, Djibouti’s government, and the NGO Association Mutualis.
Grey Frandsen, head of Oxitec, explained, “We have built good mosquitoes that do not bite and do not transmit disease. When released, these friendly mosquitoes seek out and mate with wild female mosquitoes.”
This self-limiting gene ensures that only male offspring survive, which eventually die out, preventing the species from persisting in the environment.
This technology has been successful in other parts of the world, including Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Panama and India, with over a billion mosquitoes released globally since 2019, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Djibouti's release marks the first time such mosquitoes have been deployed in East Africa and the second time on the continent, following an early trial in Burkina Faso in 2019.
The invasive Anopheles stephensi species, originally from Asia, was first detected in Djibouti in 2012. Since then, malaria cases in the country have surged from nearly 30 cases to 73,000 by 2020. The species, known for its resilience and ability to thrive in urban areas, poses a significant challenge due to its resistance to chemical insecticides and its tendency to bite both day and night.
Dr. Abdoulilah Ahmed Abdi, a health adviser to Djibouti’s president, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The government’s objective is to urgently reverse malaria transmission in Djibouti, which has spiked over the past decade.” He added that Djibouti’s experience could serve as a blueprint for other nations, as Anopheles stephensi has spread to countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Malaria, a disease responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually in Africa, has become increasingly difficult to control in urban environments where traditional methods like bed nets and insect spray are less effective against day-biting mosquitoes. This new genetic approach offers hope for regions struggling with the rapid spread of malaria.
Dr. Bouh Abdi Khaireh, director of Association Mutualis, highlighted the severity of the malaria problem in Djibouti, noting, “Not long ago, malaria was extremely rare in our communities. Now we see malaria patients suffer daily across Djibouti. There is an urgent need for new interventions.”
The pilot phase's success could lead to larger field trials and operational deployment of these genetically modified mosquitoes throughout Djibouti until next year.
Saada Ismael, a malaria survivor involved in community preparation, expressed optimism, saying, “Malaria is a serious disease that really affects our health. People are really waiting to see how these friendly mosquitoes will help us win the fight.”
Despite the promise of this technology, it has not been without controversy. Environmental groups and campaigners have raised concerns about the use of genetically modified organisms, fearing potential impacts on ecosystems and food chains.
Malaria is a deadly disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people every year, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, an estimated 580,479 people lost their lives due to malaria in the WHO African Region, representing 95.4% of total deaths globally.
