East African member states have collaborated on a study tour at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for an understanding of the biosafety and regulatory requirements of the genetically modified mosquitoes, undertaken by Target Malaria Uganda. The visit funded by African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA- NEPAD) was to give East African delegates a firsthand experience of Uganda’s operational and regulatory environment for GM mosquito research.
The initiative involved sharing knowledge and best practices related to malaria control and elimination, with a specific focus on innovative approaches like gene drive technology, to strengthen regional efforts to combat malaria, which remains a significant public health challenge in the region.
The delegation at UVRI was welcomed by Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, the director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), who expressed pride in hosting the Target Malaria Project.
“I don’t think we can really keep away from genetic modifications. When we talk about vectors, we have one project that is the gene drive we are also discussing, which is targeting malaria. We’re also discussing with our colleagues of oxitec on another non-Gene Drive genetically modified mosquitoes, where they have already done field studies in Latin America and some parts of Africa,” he said.
Prof. Kaleebu further explained that the field is really moving on, and also appreciated the participants for choosing the Uganda Virus Research Institute for the study tour.
“At UVRI, we do lab work. Entomology, virology, immunology, we do intervention studies, we do epidemiology, I think we have some of the most equipped laboratories in the country, and part of our work is also capacity building and networking. So I thank AUDA-NAPED for the good work they are doing, but also for bringing you to discuss this topic.”
In conclusion, Prof. Kaleebu encouraged the delegation to take full advantage of this opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build partnerships that will collectively advance efforts to control malaria and safeguard public health across Africa, saying, “I hope we will continue working together, networking and ensuring that whatever has been discussed will move forward.”
According to Jonathan Kayondo, the principal investigator of the gen drive study, the target is to have some common standard requirements put in place that go beyond just Uganda, because if this tool is to work the way it is set to work, it does also have an impact beyond only just Uganda since the mosquitoes, for them can’t have boundaries.
“If we control here, even if we do it very well, and the other people do not, then their mosquitoes will come here. So it’s a good opportunity for me to integrate how we fight the disease. So that’s how we harness the technology,” he remarked.
As far as the control of malaria is concerned, Kayondo further highlighted that it’s really a good opportunity to bring all the neighbours and all the potential players on board to think together on how best to go about the malaria burden.
When asked about the release of the modified mosquitoes, Kayondo said it will take several more years before they are released because research is still ongoing.
Dr Johnson Wiltshire, the Programme Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD, said that because of the challenges they face with existing technologies, it is apparent that Africa needs to adopt new ways of doing things and when it comes to matters of health, they target quality, access and sustainability.
He also narrated that the engagement provided an opportunity for knowledge-sharing, enabling scientists, regulators, and policymakers to be updated on developments in research and the use of genetically modified technology for the elimination of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
“Different countries have different requirements, and for African member states to benefit ultimately from some of these technologies, they must harmonise regulatory requirements,” Wiltshire highlighted.
Meanwhile, the speech of Dr. Martin Ongol, the acting executive secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, was delivered by Collins Tumusiime, the head of the international collaboration unit, who highlighted that genetically modified mosquitoes, including emerging gene drive technologies, represent a promising advancement in complementing existing vector control strategies.
“Uganda is proud to be at the forefront of this pioneering research, with the Uganda Virus Research Institute serving as a leading hub for entomological studies, containment of GM mosquitoes, and the development of biosafety systems. This site exemplifies the integration of rigorous scientific research, robust regulatory oversight, and meaningful community engagement, all essential pillars for the responsible advancement of novel public health tools,” Ongol noted.
The tour also offered practical exposure to containment and biosafety measures, as well as Uganda’s application of risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement strategies.
Simultaneously, statistics indicate that malaria remains Africa’s greatest health concern, with 94% of malaria cases (246 million) and 95% (569 000) of malaria deaths recorded annually in 2023, according to the 2024 World Malaria Report.
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