While malaria remains a global health issue affecting millions, advances in genetic engineering may offer a solution, according to experts.
Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute have developed genetically modified mosquitoes that are resistant to the malaria parasite, a breakthrough that could revolutionise malaria control.
Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria, a disease that kills over 200,000 people each year, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
Traditional methods such as insecticide spraying and the use of bed nets have not been sufficient to eliminate the disease, according to studies.
Mosquitoes have reportedly developed resistance to insecticides and maintaining consistent community engagement in preventive measures has become increasingly difficult.
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George Dimopoulos, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explained that although the modified mosquitoes have been created, the challenge lies in spreading the genetic resistance throughout wild mosquito populations.
He was responding to a question during a recent media briefing on the global state of malaria, which included discussions on the latest research and how modifying mosquitoes may offer a way to combat the disease.
Dimopoulos said that gene drive technology offers a solution, as it enables specific genes to spread rapidly through a population, even if only a few modified individuals are initially released.
“By using gene drives, we could convert an entire mosquito population to be incapable of transmitting malaria with just a small number of gene-edited mosquitoes,” the researcher said.
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He added that the advantage of gene drives is that they do not require widespread participation from local populations.
“This technology could be deployed in a way that benefits everyone, making it cost-effective and sustainable. It is egalitarian—everyone, whether they participate directly or not, would be protected,” Dimopoulos said.
He acknowledged that despite the potential, significant challenges remain, as modified mosquitoes must be both effective against malaria and resilient enough to survive in the wild.
Additionally, the gene drive must be resistant to the possibility of the malaria parasite evolving resistance.
Dimopoulos also underlined the need for public acceptance.
“Gene drives are untested and there is uncertainty about how they will behave in nature. Careful studies and community engagement will be crucial for successful implementation,” he said.
He then reiterated that malaria is a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting marginalised populations who often lack access to adequate housing and preventive tools.
The expert added that the world needs solutions that address the socioeconomic challenges, and that gene drives could be part of the answer.
Jane Carlton, Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, indicated that malaria remains a major issue in Africa, where it is endemic in 47 of the 54 countries.
According to Carlton, although the situation is severe in many parts of Africa, there have been successes, with seven countries certified malaria-free by the World Health Organisation.
Asked where countries such as Malawi, where malaria remains a big challenge, are going wrong in the fight, she said the problem is limited healthcare resources.
She also said that the fight against malaria is further complicated by the parasite’s rapid evolution, as it quickly develops resistance to antimalarial drugs, making treatment more difficult.
“The parasite’s complex life cycle and its ability to remain undetected for long periods make it difficult to combat. Its biology is complex and, as scientists, we are constantly surprised by it,” Carlton said.
