By Wale Akinselure
Scientists across Africa have begun exploring new ways to reduce the spread of malaria as the continent remains far from meeting the African Union’s target of eliminating the disease by 2030.
The scientists, under the auspices of Target Malaria, are examining whether gene drive technology could help reduce populations of malaria-carrying mosquitoes or prevent the parasite from being transmitted from mosquitoes to humans.
Using a genetic approach, researchers are investigating a possible innovation that could complement existing interventions such as bed nets, insecticides, drugs and vaccines.
According to a publication by the African Media Agency, the initiative is driven by a widening global funding gap, alongside growing challenges such as insecticide resistance, climate pressures and fragile health systems, which have raised concerns about a possible resurgence of malaria if sustained investment and innovation are not prioritised.
The publication read, “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.
“Scientists from Target Malaria are exploring whether gene drive technology could help reduce populations of malaria-carrying mosquitoes or stop the parasite from being transmitted from mosquito to human.
“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 research comes ahead of this year’s World Malaria Day on April 25 and follows the 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report, released in February 2026, which indicated that momentum in the fight against malaria across the continent has stalled.
The report revealed that African Union member states accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96 per cent of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97 per cent of the global total) in 2024.
It noted that progress has slowed since 2015, with only five member states achieving the 2025 Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75 per cent.
Highlighting declining international funding and rising threats, the report warned that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million annually and deaths surpassing one million.
Following the report, African Heads of State and Government, at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, called for a new era of malaria financing, including increased domestic resource mobilisation, renewed commitments from partners and a strengthened World Bank Malaria Booster Programme.
The latest Target Malaria research focuses on new ways to curb the spread of the disease, which remains one of the continent’s deadliest.
The study identifies the major mosquito species responsible for transmission as Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus.
Developing gene drive mosquitoes is a complex and meticulous process that begins in highly controlled laboratory environments.
Dr Martin Lukindu, a postdoctoral research associate at Target Malaria Uganda, cautioned that the technology is still in the research phase, with all studies currently conducted in contained laboratories in Europe and the United States.
“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 approval from relevant authorities would also be required.
“As scientists, our goal remains the same: to reduce malaria transmission and save African lives,” Lukindu said.
He explained that the research process involves designing genetic modifications and introducing them into mosquito embryos using extremely fine needles under microscopes.
“The process must be done shortly after mosquito eggs are laid, when the embryos are at the right stage of development. Only a few researchers worldwide have this expertise.
“Because the procedure is delicate, not all modified embryos will produce modified mosquitoes. Scientists then identify those that successfully carry the genetic modification and establish laboratory colonies to study the trait over multiple generations,” the publication stated.
The report also outlined safety and efficacy testing procedures, noting that once a colony is established, scientists conduct extensive laboratory tests to observe mosquito behaviour and how the modification spreads.
Initial studies are carried out in small laboratory cages, followed by tests in larger indoor environments designed to mimic natural conditions.
Researchers also assess factors such as mosquito lifespan, biting behaviour, disease transmission potential and resistance to insecticides, comparing gene drive mosquitoes with their wild counterparts.
“Mathematical modelling is used alongside laboratory studies to predict how the modification might spread through mosquito populations and its potential impact on malaria transmission.
“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 considered for use,” Lukindu added.
Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium focused on developing and sharing cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
