Scientists across Africa are testing new strategies to curb malaria transmission amid growing concerns that the continent may fall short of the African Union’s 2030 elimination target.
The development was highlighted in a publication by the African Media Agency on April 23, which outlined ongoing research efforts and the urgent need for innovation in the fight against malaria.
Working under the Target Malaria initiative, researchers are examining the potential of gene drive technology to either reduce populations of malaria-carrying mosquitoes or block the transmission of the parasite from mosquitoes to humans.
The approach, which involves genetic modification, is being studied as a complementary solution to existing interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets, antimalarial drugs, indoor spraying, and vaccines.
According to the publication, the renewed push for innovation is driven by a widening global funding gap, increasing insecticide resistance, climate-related challenges, and weak health systems—factors that have slowed progress and raised fears of a resurgence.
“Despite continued efforts, Africa remains off track to meet the African Union’s target of eliminating malaria by 2030, with progress slowing since 2015 and only a handful of countries reaching key milestones,” the report stated.
Data from the 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report, released in February 2026, showed that African Union member states accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases—about 96 per cent of the global total—and 594,119 deaths, representing 97 per cent of worldwide fatalities in 2024.
The report also revealed that only five countries met the 2025 target of reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75 per cent, underscoring the slowdown in progress.
Experts warn that without sustained investment and new solutions, malaria cases could exceed 400 million annually, with deaths potentially surpassing one million.
The latest research focuses on key malaria-transmitting mosquito species, including Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, Anopheles arabiensis, and Anopheles funestus.
However, scientists caution that gene drive technology remains in its early stages. Dr Martin Lukindu, a post-doctoral research associate with Target Malaria Uganda, said the process is complex and currently limited to controlled laboratory environments in Europe and the United States.
“There are no gene drive mosquitoes in Africa,” he said. “Before any future use could be considered, extensive safety studies must be completed, followed by regulatory approvals and community engagement.”
He explained that the process involves introducing genetic modifications into mosquito embryos under highly controlled conditions, followed by multiple generations of laboratory testing to assess how the traits are inherited and how they affect mosquito behaviour.
Further experiments are conducted in larger simulated environments to better understand how the modified mosquitoes might behave outside laboratory conditions, including their lifespan, reproduction, and ability to transmit disease.
Researchers also rely on mathematical modelling to predict how the genetic changes could spread through mosquito populations and impact malaria transmission.
“Innovation and investment are essential in the fight against malaria, but so is transparency,” Lukindu added. “People must understand how these technologies are developed and tested before any real-world application.”
Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, aims to develop safe, cost-effective, and sustainable genetic tools to reduce malaria transmission, as Africa continues to bear the heaviest burden of the disease.
