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According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for over 17% of all infectious diseases. They are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths a year, and 80% of the world’s population is at risk. Africa shoulders one of the highest burdens of vector-borne diseases globally, with malaria alone killing over 500,000 people every year in the African region.

These concerning statistics highlight the need for innovative solutions to complement existing tools. Genetic approaches for vector control, such as genetically modified mosquitoes, are a promising way forward. In this context, the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)/  Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC) has been working to establish the African Center for Excellence in Molecular Engineering (ACEME).

ACEME aims to provide a setting for African scientists to learn and develop advanced skills in genetic engineering, including those related to the development of genetically modified mosquitoes. In preparation for the establishment of the center, we have been building our team’s capacity in molecular engineering and regulatory science. We have also established a framework for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure inclusive and effective collaboration.

In 2024, following approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, we imported a strain of non genetically modified mosquitoes called “G3” from our partners at Keele University. Our researchers are currently working on this strain in the laboratory, which is fully equipped to meet international guidelines and national regulations for the containment of insects. Our team will proceed with the modification of this strain by introducing fluorescent markers.

In September 2024, Prof. Frederic Tripet, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, joined the ACEME team as Director of Research, Training and Partnerships. His expertise in partnership development, training programs and capacity building will be invaluable to the establishment and development of the Center.

Emery Metelo of the Institut National pour la Recherche Biomedicale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will test implementation by women and youth community members of a mosquito vector control program to reduce the burden of disease caused by Aedes-borne arboviruses. The program will be guided by local health authorities and the network of community health workers. It will be implemented over 15 months in two areas of the city of Kinshasa, and it will consist of community education and training of participants, followed by mosquito trapping and clearing of potential habitats for mosquito larvae. They will assess the program’s effectiveness by comparing data before and after the intervention, including an arbovirus serosurvey covering dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, and an entomological survey of mosquitos and their larvae. They will also assess changes in relevant behaviors, knowledge, and perceptions due to community participation in the program.

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3rd Annual WAASuN Conference

This Monday, June 5th, in Cidade da Praia, the 3rd meeting of the West African Aedes Surveillance Network- WAASuN was held, in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) of Cape Verde.

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