Djibouti has initiated a groundbreaking project to combat malaria by releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in a suburb of the country. The Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Programme aims to target the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which has led to a significant increase in urban malaria cases in Djibouti and is spreading rapidly in the Horn of Africa. This marks the first time a genetically engineered mosquito has been released in East Africa.
The initiative is a collaboration between Djibouti’s National Malaria Control Programme, Association Mutualis, and Oxitec Ltd. Several thousand non-biting male mosquitoes carrying a self-limiting gene have been released in Djibouti City, with plans for more releases in the coming weeks. Uganda is also gearing up for a similar project targeting the Anopheles funestus mosquito.
The genetically modified mosquitoes, designed to reduce the female mosquito population which spreads malaria, have shown success in controlling disease-transmitting pests. The release in Djibouti follows thorough research and regulatory approval, with extensive monitoring to assess the impact on communities.
This innovative approach highlights the commitment to combating malaria and setting a blueprint for other African nations facing similar challenges.