World Malaria Day 2025

Malaria Control in Africa: The Promise of Genetic Innovation

 

Introduction

• Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25th as a global initiative to raise awareness about malaria, its impact, and efforts to combat it.
• In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated approximately 249 million malaria cases worldwide, with Africa bearing the heaviest burden, accounting for 94% of the cases. As a Sub-Saharan African nation, Tanzania remains significantly affected, reporting an estimated 3.6 million malaria cases that year(1).
• Malaria disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and marginalized communities. Strongly linked to poverty, it persists in the poorest regions, where limited healthcare access increases infection risks and worsens socioeconomic conditions.
• Malaria in Tanzania is mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malariaparasite. Other species, such as P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. vivax, also play a role in causing the disease.
• Malaria in Tanzania is mainly spread by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus mosquitoes. The spread of the disease depends on factors like the number of mosquitoes in an area, their ability to transmit malaria and environmental conditions(2).
• The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 provides a framework for malaria-endemic countries to achieve control and elimination by reducing malaria case
  incidence and mortality rates by 90%, eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries, and preventing resurgence in malaria-free regions by 2030(3).
• To achieve these ambitious goals, innovative approaches are needed.

The Role of Genetics in Malaria Control

• Gene technologies offer promising solutions to combat malaria by modifying mosquito genomes to prevent transmission, silencing parasite genes, and developing genetically
  engineered mosquitoes and antimalarial compounds.
• An example of these technologies is Gene drive, Gene drive is an innovative approach to malaria control that aims to spread specific genetic traits rapidly through a population,
  overcoming traditional inheritance patterns.

• By using gene editing tools like CRISPR, scientists can modify the Anopheles mosquito genome and drive these modifications through mosquito populations. Gene drives increase the frequency of desired genes through reproduction over a few generations(4).
• There are two main types of gene drives being explored: population-suppression drives, which reduce mosquito populations by spreading lethal or sterility genes, or by biasing the sex ratio, and population-replacement drives, which alter mosquitoes to prevent them from transmitting the Plasmodium parasite(4).

Implementation in Africa

• Several African countries are exploring gene drive technology to combat malaria by reducing mosquito populations and transmission rates
• In Burkina Faso, the Target Malaria project is developing and testing gene drive mosquitoes, with planned field trials to assess their effectiveness and safety(5). Similarly, the Uganda Virus Research Institute is investigating gene drive mosquitoes to suppress malaria vectors and lower the disease burden in affected regions(6).
• In Mali, the Target Malaria project is conducting tests on gene-drive mosquitoes to suppress malaria-transmitting mosquito populations, with the potential to revolutionize vector control and disease prevention, Meanwhile, Kenyan studies focus on genetically modified mosquitoes with gene drive mechanisms, showing promising initial results in reducing malaria transmission(7) Situation in Tanzania
• In Tanzania, researchers are exploring the feasibility of gene drive technology as a long-term solution for malaria control. Initial field trials will determine whether to prioritize genetic efficacy—measuring how effectively the gene drive spreads within mosquito populations—or assess its overall impact on malaria transmission (epidemiological efficacy).
• These trials will be guided by insights from previous vector control strategies, such as insecticides and larvicides. The first field trials for gene drive-based malaria vector control are expected to take place within the next five years.

Conclusion

• Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa, where it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. While traditional control
  measures have made progress, innovative approaches like gene drive technology are essential for sustainable malaria elimination. By genetically modifying mosquito populations, gene drives offer a promising tool to reduce transmission and support global malaria eradication goals.
• Successful implementation will require collaboration among researchers, policymakers, health organizations, and local communities to ensure safety, ethical considerations, and public acceptance. Engaging stakeholders and educating communities about the benefits and risks of gene drive technology will be crucial in advancing malaria control efforts and achieving long-term success.

References

1. Kołodziej D, Ammi HZ, Richert W, Marchelek-Myśliwiec M, Korzeniewski K. Prevalence of malaria in Arusha Region in northern Tanzania. Int Marit Health [Internet]. 2024 [cited
   2025 Apr 1];75(2):103–8. Available from: https://journals.viamedica.pl/international_maritime_health/article/view/100440/81886
2. National Malaria Control Programme. Malaria diagnosis, treatment, and preventive therapies: 2020 National Guidelines for the United Republic of Tanzania. Ministry of
   Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children; 2020.
3. World Health Organization. SDG Target 3.3: Communicable diseases [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 2]. Available from:
   https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/sdg-target-3_3-communicable-diseases
4. Scientific Working Group. Guidance for contained field trials of vector mosquitoes engineered to contain a gene drive system. Recommendations of a Scientific Working
   Group.
5. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. Genetically modified mosquitoes and malaria in Africa: Top scientist shares latest advances [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 2]. Available from:
   https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-and-malaria-africa-t op-scientist-shares-latest
6. Target Malaria. Our work: Who we are? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 2].
7. Health Tech Africa. Gene drive technology [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 2]. Available from: https://healthtechafrica.org/technology/gene-drive-technology

Contents by Joel Maduki