Insights and recommendations of African stakeholders on biocontrol technologies for malaria control

Contact Info

Key Findings

Our research reveals important insights into stakeholder perspectives on gene drive technologies for malaria control in Africa, highlighting priorities, concerns, and recommendations for responsible development and implementation.

Key Insights

Research Impact & Implications

Our findings provide crucial insights into how African stakeholders perceive gene drive technologies, highlighting the importance of community engagement, transparent communication, and inclusive decision-making processes.

500+

Surveys Completed

100+

Interviews Conducted

Detailed Findings

Key Research Findings on GDMMs

Building knowledge &
capacity of Africans
  • Improve understanding of malaria burden, trends, and transmission dynamics among experts
  • Improve understanding of current challenges in malaria control efforts, and the potential of GDMMs
  • Update and adapt curricula to include instruction on the fundamentals of cell biology and genetic engineering
  • Provide hands-on training for African scientists on GDMMs development and research
  • Improve capacity of African regulators to ensure safe evaluation and deployment of GDMMs
  • Improve capacity of key African decision makers to govern and regulate GDMMs
Need for evidence
  • Use mathematical models to simulate applicability and effectiveness of GDMMs
  • Obtain context-specific evidence of effectiveness, safety and applicability of GDMMs
  • Generate evidence to address GDMMs challenges such as insecticide-resistance and multiple vector species
  • Offer cost-benefit assessments of GDMMs alone and in combination with existing interventions
  • Assess potential risks and benefits associated with GDMMs, and how potential risks can be addressed
  • Explain how GDMMs will be tailored to respond country-specific contexts and needs
  • Provide a detailed plan of integrating GDMMs within IVM for malaria control
Regulatory issues
  • Identify existing regulations relevant to GDMMs in Africa
  • Build upon the existing GMO guidelines [e.g. in the agricultural sector or from international regulatory bodies] to address GDMMs requirements
  • Accelerate and expand African regional and continental harmonization of policies and regulations for GDMMs
Stakeholder
engagement
  • Incorporate communities' views and needs during GDMMs research and development
  • Involve all relevant stakeholders in important decisions on GDMMs research and implementation
  • Structure community and stakeholder engagement efforts to reflect country-specific governance structures
  • Engage wider community and public when GDMMs are ready for field trials