Genetically modified mosquitoes to fight malaria in Kenya
Kenya’s Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), in collaboration with Imperial College London, will introduce genetically modified mosquitoes in some regions of the country to stop the spread of malaria-transmitting species, TASS reports
The Standard newspaper notes that according to the plan, genetically modified mosquitoes will lay eggs, from which individuals with a self-limiting gene will hatch. After mating with ordinary mosquitoes, their offspring won’t survive to adulthood, as a result of which there will be a decrease in the number of malaria mosquitoes in the country. The Acting Deputy Director of Research and Development at KEMRI, Dr. Martin Bundi, said that such technology would contribute to the fight against malaria.
According to professors George Christophides and Nikolai Windbichler of London College, malaria has become an endemic disease in Kenya, so there is a need to combat it.
In 2010 and 2015, 26 thousand and 15 thousand people died as a result of malaria outbreaks in Kenya, respectively.
