The British High Commission in Dar es Salaam recently hosted a landmark event showcasing Transmission Zero, a pioneering research collaboration between the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Imperial College London, aimed at eliminating malaria through the use of gene drive technology. Held at the British High Commission Residence, the event was organized in partnership with IHI, Imperial College London, and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). It brought together diplomats, scientists, policymakers, and public health experts to explore the future of malaria control through advanced genomics.
The event was graced by key members of the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO) leadership, including Prof. Julie Makani (Advisory Board Secretary), Prof. Karim Manji (Advisory Board Chairperson), Dr. Siana Nkya (President), and Dr. Mohamed Zahir (General Secretary), underscoring THGO’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking research and aligning with national health priorities.
In her opening remarks, British High Commissioner Marianne Young reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s strong support for scientific partnerships aimed at solving global health challenges. She highlighted the power of collaboration in transforming healthcare outcomes, especially in regions heavily affected by malaria.
At the heart of the evening was a discussion on gene drive technology, a bold and innovative approach that involves genetically modifying malaria-carrying mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission. While promising, the technology also raises important scientific, ethical, and policy considerations. Professor George Christophides of Imperial College London, Programme Director of Transmission Zero, provided an in-depth overview of the approach, stressing the importance of African leadership and ownership in driving this work. He emphasized that while gene drive is not a “silver bullet,” it represents a vital component of a broader, integrated malaria control strategy.
British High Commission Hosts Event on Gene Drive Technology for Malaria Elimination
Leave a Reply