Muthomi Ireri
Mixed Reactions as Kenya Plans to Release Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria
Kenya is set to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in an effort to combat malaria, prompting mixed reactions from the public. Dr. Martin Bundi, the acting Deputy Director of Research and Development at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), emphasized the necessity of adopting new technologies to counter malaria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that GM mosquitoes are mass-produced in laboratories and carry two types of genes: a self-limiting gene, which prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving to adulthood, and a fluorescent marker gene, which glows under special red light, allowing researchers to identify GM mosquitoes in the wild.
When the GM mosquito eggs hatch, they develop into adult mosquitoes that mate with wild females, passing on these genes to their offspring. The expected outcome is a reduction in the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a species known for spreading diseases such as malaria.
“Releasing GM mosquitoes over several months can reduce the number of a specific mosquito species such as Ae. aegypti,” stated the CDC. “The best way to prevent disease outbreaks is to control mosquitoes before an outbreak happens.”
Professors Christophides George and Windbichler Nikolai from Imperial College London highlighted the endemic nature of malaria in Kenya and the urgent need for control measures. “It is therefore important to embrace new technology that can assist in controlling it. The GM mosquitoes have shown promising results in laboratory settings, and the next step is to evaluate their effectiveness in the field,” they stated.
The plan to release GM mosquitoes has sparked a range of opinions, with some supporting the innovative approach to malaria control and others expressing concerns about potential ecological and health impacts.
Dj Vnyash
Silverio Omari
