Group fights to end malaria with gene drive

A Call for Innovation and Collaboration in the Fight Against Malaria

As the world observes World Mosquito Day, a global effort to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, Target Malaria—a not-for-profit research consortium—has issued an urgent call for increased investment in technology, talent, and partnerships. This initiative aims to combat malaria, a deadly disease that claims over half a million lives annually in Africa, with children being the most vulnerable.

Target Malaria is at the forefront of developing gene drive technology, a cutting-edge approach designed to reduce populations of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The group emphasizes that ending this public health crisis requires more than just scientific innovation; it also demands trust, community engagement, and capacity-building across the continent.

Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Health Sciences Research Institute, highlighted the importance of these elements. “Every child lost to malaria is a failure of imagination and investment,” she said. She stressed that the organization is advocating for a holistic approach that includes not only technological advancements but also the people and partnerships necessary to bring these innovations to life.

Community involvement is central to Target Malaria’s strategy. In Burkina Faso and Uganda, where the research is being conducted, residents are actively consulted and empowered. Dr. Paré Toé emphasized that trust is the foundation of this work. “You can’t introduce scientific innovation without first investing in the trust of communities and the people who will carry this work forward. Our partnerships with local communities are foundational to our research—they are co-creators of this work, not just beneficiaries.”

To enhance public understanding of the science behind their work, Target Malaria has introduced creative methods such as interactive theatre, radio programs, and visual presentations. These efforts have been recognized as a model for responsible research across Africa.

Building African Scientific Leadership

Another key focus of Target Malaria is the development of African scientific leadership. The organization supports the training of young African scientists to lead the fight against vector-borne diseases. At the Health Sciences Research Institute, researchers supervise master’s and PhD students, while the African Centre of Excellence for Biotechnological Innovations for the Elimination of Vector-Borne Diseases, led by Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté in partnership with Nazi Boni University, provides hands-on training.

Prof. Diabaté explained that the initiative is strengthening African-led solutions to address the continent's health challenges. “Our goal is to equip a new generation of high-performing scientists to adapt emerging technologies to Africa’s development priorities. Malaria won’t be solved alone; we need collective efforts to beat the disease. But, because malaria is an African problem, we’re building African scientific leadership, so the next breakthrough doesn’t just happen in Africa—it’s led by Africa.”

Understanding Gene Drive Technology

Target Malaria is working in Africa to develop genetic technologies like gene drive to reduce the population of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The organization explains that gene drive technology introduces a genetic trait into targeted Anopheles mosquitoes, one of the main carriers of the malaria parasite. This gene is passed down to offspring at a higher-than-normal rate, gradually reducing the population’s ability to reproduce. Over time, the mosquito population declines, potentially interrupting malaria transmission altogether.

It is important to note that this technology is not designed to eradicate all mosquitoes. Of the more than 3,500 known mosquito species, only about 30 are a public health concern. Of those, just three or four are responsible for most malaria transmission in Africa. Target Malaria’s research focuses on these specific species.

Dr. Paré Toé reiterated the organization’s commitment to equipping a new generation of scientists with the tools needed to adapt emerging technologies to Africa’s development priorities. “Our goal is to equip a new generation of high-performing scientists to adapt emerging technologies to Africa’s development priorities,” she said.

A Collaborative Approach to Malaria Control

With increasing challenges from climate change, insecticide resistance, and fragile health systems, Target Malaria urges governments and funders to view genetic tools as complementary innovations rather than replacements for existing malaria interventions. The organization believes that combining traditional methods with new technologies can create a more effective and sustainable approach to malaria control.

In conclusion, the fight against malaria requires a multifaceted strategy that combines scientific innovation, community engagement, and strong partnerships. By investing in both technology and human capital, Target Malaria is paving the way for a future where malaria is no longer a threat to millions of lives in Africa.