By Doreen Ampofo
African scientists gathered in Accra from March 17 to 20, 2025, to deliberate on how genetic solutions can be used to, among other things, combat malaria transmission on the continent.
The scientists, who met for four days, championed the use of gene drive technology to alter the genes of female Anopheles mosquitoes, either rendering them infertile or producing only male mosquitoes, which cannot transmit malaria.
According to them, if this technology is adopted in Africa, the population of female Anopheles mosquitoes—responsible for malaria transmission—could be drastically reduced in just four months.
Africa bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for over 95% of all malaria deaths and cases. Despite efforts such as the distribution of treated bed nets, insecticides, and vaccines, the disease persists, with Ghana recording 15 malaria cases per 1,000 people.
This challenge is one of the reasons scientists gathered at the 2nd Global Congress on Genetic Biocontrol Technology, where they shared modern technologies for malaria control and experiences across diverse disciplines related to genetic biocontrol.
A scientist and Professor at the University of Glasgow, UK, Fedros Ukumu, who explained how the gene drive technology can be used to eradicate malaria, said the technology was discovered in the West and has been in existence since 2016.
He stated that the African Union (AU) has encouraged African scientists to study the technology abroad and test its application in Africa.
Prof. Ukumu explained that while all have several genes that are similar, there are genes that are different. He said:
“So, we look at the specific gene that makes the Anopheles mosquito different as well as the part that makes it transmit malaria and diseases. That is the part that we manipulate such that when the mosquito reproduces, the offspring picks up the new genes. This can only be done with gene drive and no other technologies.”
Speaking at the opening of the Global Congress, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting gene drive technology to reduce Ghana’s malaria burden.
He indicated that Ghana spends hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis annually on malaria treatment, with over 11,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year. He stressed that if an effective and safe technology is available, the government will invest in it.
“If there is a process by which we will be able to come out with a vaccine that is reliable and dependable that will help reduce malaria infection and there won’t be any direct fatal consequences, why should I be against it? To the extent that it is multifaceted, you need the collaboration of all these industries and agencies to work together. But one thing I can assure you is that the political will to support them in that drive is unflinching,” he said.
The President of the Congress, Dr. Misheck Mulumba, highlighted the need for a One Health Approach in applying biocontrol technologies. He pointed out that rapid response measures are crucial in mitigating the economic fallout and health impacts of infectious disease outbreaks.
“The application of a one health approach in containing the negative effects of outbreaks will reduce both the cost and suffering of the population, both humans and animals. It is therefore important for concerted effort to be made in employing the one health approach however possible in applying gene drive and other technologies to confront our challenges.”
The congress was held in partnership with the National Biosafety Authority.
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