Project Title: African Conversation about gene drives for malaria elimination
Project Description: Genetic bio-control tools such as gene drive technologies have been demonstrated in the proof of concept studies as promising new tools that might be deployed as a component of the integrated vector management system in the renewed drive for malaria elimination. Although mosquito gene drive technologies are still early in the development phase, there is a need to start critical conversations with key stakeholders in the malaria control landscape in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on the... Genetic bio-control tools such as gene drive technologies have been demonstrated in the proof of concept studies as promising new tools that might be deployed as a component of the integrated vector management system in the renewed drive for malaria elimination. Although mosquito gene drive technologies are still early in the development phase, there is a need to start critical conversations with key stakeholders in the malaria control landscape in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on the safe and responsible use of the technologies. The ultimate goal of this project is to enable a dialog among key stakeholders in malaria-endemic countries on the potential benefits, risks, and requirements of gene drive technologies if deployed as a component of an integrated malaria control program. Our team will facilitate in-depth discussions among selected stakeholders on the risks and benefits of gene drive technologies for malaria control and elimination through two-way information exchange. The discussions will expand stakeholders’ understanding of the technical aspects of gene drive technologies, and address knowledge gaps in the rollout of the technologies. Based on the interests of the various stakeholder groups, this may include ethical conduct of research in mosquito gene drives, field testing guidelines, risk assessment, and risk communication, community engagement and consent, legal and regulatory framework, and cross-border cooperation, among other issues. In addition to updating stakeholders on the current status of gene drive-modified mosquito products, the discussions also will solicit their opinions on safety and efficacy goals for gene drive-modified mosquito products to disrupt/reduce malaria transmission in Africa and how these products might be used in malaria control programs.
Principal Investigator : Marceline (Lina) Finda
Department Name :
Time frame: (2020-07-01) - (2024-11-30)
Foundation for National Institute of Health (Normal)
External Collaborating Partners
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