Mosquitoes are known to create a menace for the public as they are carriers of major vector-borne diseases like Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria. They pose a threat to public health and safety, and we have often endeavored to find a remedy to repel the mosquitoes from ourselves.
In a recent fascinating development GMO mosquitoes were unleashed in Djibouti, East Africa, on May 23, 2024, in a bold initiative to combat malaria. The release took place in Ambouli, a bustling suburb nestled within Djibouti City, marking the commencement of a pioneering pilot project spearheaded by Oxitec Ltd, in collaboration with the Djibouti government and Association Mutualis, a prominent non-governmental organization.
The release marks a significant milestone in the ‘Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Programme,’ initiated two years ago to halt the proliferation of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species. In 2012, the detection of Anopheles stephensi in Africa triggered concern, with Djibouti recording 27 malaria cases. By 2020, the nation’s malaria burden surged to over 73,000 cases.
The relentless expansion of this highly invasive mosquito, originating from South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, underscored the urgency of action to combat malaria transmission in Djibouti. The relentless spread of the invasive mosquito has extended its reach to other African countries, with reported cases in Ethiopia and Sudan in 2016, Somalia in 2019, and Nigeria in 2020.
Distinguishing itself from other malaria-carrying mosquitoes prevalent in Africa, Anopheles stephensi thrives in urban settings. This adaptation poses a significant threat to Djibouti, where 70 percent of the population resides in the capital city, placing them at heightened risk of exposure to this malaria vector.
In a pioneering effort to combat these urban invaders, Oxitec, a leading biotechnology company, has devised a revolutionary method that employs mosquitoes to tackle mosquitoes. Through their innovative approach, genetically modified male mosquitoes carrying a specialized gene have been released. This gene hinders the development of female offspring, preventing them from reaching adulthood.
This groundbreaking technique specifically targets female mosquitoes, which play a predominant role in malaria transmission. By diminishing the population of female mosquitoes, scientists aim to significantly curtail the spread of the disease. Male mosquitoes, being non-biting, do not pose a malaria transmission risk. Oxitec’s approach, characterized by its safety, sustainability, and precision, represents a unique and ideally suited biological pest control technology to combat this pressing public health threat.
This marks the first instance of genetically engineered mosquitoes being released in East Africa and only the second occurrence on the African continent. Previously, Burkina Faso in West Africa made history with the inaugural release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the village of Bana.
The pilot initiative was preceded by an extensive examination of Anopheles stephensi distribution, population density, and behavioral patterns across various towns and neighborhoods in Djibouti. This comprehensive study spanned over two years and was complemented by robust engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
Through workshops and public forums, health authorities, community leaders, and regional experts actively participated in shaping and executing field studies. Their invaluable contributions were instrumental in refining the design and execution of the initiative, ensuring a thorough understanding of the local context and effective implementation strategies.
Malaria, a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by certain species of mosquitoes, primarily prevails in tropical regions. However, it is both preventable and treatable.
The disease is caused by a parasite and does not transfer from person to person. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, with mild manifestations typically including fever, chills, and headache. Conversely, severe symptoms encompass fatigue, confusion, seizures, and respiratory distress.
Certain demographics, such as infants, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, travelers, and individuals with HIV or AIDS, face a heightened risk of developing severe infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing the disease and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.
Malaria primarily spreads to individuals through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Additionally, transmission can occur through blood transfusion and contaminated needles. The initial symptoms of malaria may appear mild, resembling those of various febrile illnesses, making it challenging to identify. However, if left untreated, P. falciparum malaria, in particular, can rapidly progress to severe illness, potentially resulting in death within a mere 24-hour period. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the disease and preventing severe complications.
Five species of Plasmodium, single-celled parasites, have the ability to infect humans and induce illness. These include Plasmodium falciparum (or P. falciparum), Plasmodium malariae (or P. malariae), Plasmodium vivax (or P. vivax), Plasmodium ovale (or P. ovale), and Plasmodium knowlesi (or P. knowlesi).
Among them, falciparum malaria poses a severe threat to human health and can be life-threatening. Individuals affected by severe falciparum malaria may experience complications such as liver and kidney failure, convulsions, and coma. While infections with P. vivax and P. ovale are typically less severe, these parasites have the capability to remain dormant in the liver for extended periods, leading to a recurrence of symptoms months or even years later.
