Can gene drive for malaria control be safely and sustainably implemented in Africa?

Vector control is by far the most effective intervention for reducing malaria infection. It has contributed 78% of the total reduction of the disease burden from 2000-2015. Progress however has slowed since 2015 due to insecticide resistance, and there are calls for investments in new interventions. Gene drive is one of the most promising vector control approaches on the horizon. It requires the release of small numbers of modified mosquitoes with the aim of suppressing their populations or blocking the transmission of pathogens. Implementation of this strategy however requires that i) critical knowledge gaps in the ecology of gene drive be addressed, ii) an exhaustive landscaping of risks assessment and management plans be developed, and iii) technical capacity be built in Africa to take ownership of the technology. This project will, for the first time, connect and mobilize African scientists and their international partners to produce and gather key scientific information that will equip the public and policymakers with the requisite knowledge to take decision on whether or not to accept the technology. Four leading regional research institutes across Africa aided by two international world-class UK-based universities will join forces to run this interdisciplinary program.