Insights and recommendations of African stakeholders on biocontrol technologies for malaria control
African conversations
Insights and recommendations of African stakeholders on biocontrol technologies for malaria control
African Conversations
An initiative to ensure African voices are central in the development and implementation of gene drive technologies for malaria control in Africa.
Leading the conversation
Engaged in dialogue
Guided by clear principles and aspirations, our project creates a framework for inclusive dialogue and decision-making around gene drive technologies.
We aim to document and amplify African perspectives on gene drive technologies, ensuring that local knowledge, concerns, and aspirations guide the development of these innovative solutions for malaria control.
By engaging diverse stakeholders across the continent, we create inclusive dialogue that shapes responsible technology development and implementation in Africa, by Africans, for Africans.
We envision a future where gene drive technologies are developed and deployed with full consideration of African priorities, values, and regulatory frameworks, leading to effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate malaria control strategies.
Our vision includes building lasting capacity within African institutions to make informed decisions about emerging technologies for public health.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death and ill-health in Africa, with 241 million cases annually and nearly 630,000 deaths, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Current interventions like insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have reduced the burden but have reached efficacy limits in many regions.
Gene drive modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) represent a promising complementary approach that could either suppress mosquito populations or modify them to prevent malaria transmission.
This project was established to ensure that African voices, values, and priorities guide the development and potential implementation of gene drive technologies for malaria control, recognizing that stakeholder engagement is vital for responsible research and innovation.
Recorded annually across Africa
Annually, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa
Annual cost to African economies
Of public health expenditure in endemic countries
Key milestones in our research and engagement journey across Africa
Establishment of research framework, stakeholder mapping, and development of engagement protocols
Conducted interviews, focus groups, and workshops with key stakeholders across multiple African countries
Analysis of findings, development of training materials, and creation of knowledge-sharing platforms
Continued engagement with expanded stakeholder groups, capacity-building activities, and policy development support
How our work is transforming the dialogue around gene drive technologies across Africa
Documented perspectives of over 100 stakeholders from more than 20 African countries, ensuring their voices are heard in global discussions.
Developed comprehensive training materials and conducted workshops that have built knowledge and capacity among key stakeholders.
Provided insights that have informed policy development and regulatory frameworks for gene drive technologies in multiple African countries.
Be part of shaping the future of gene drive technologies for malaria control in Africa.