Genetic biocontrol approaches, such as gene drive technology is rapidly gaining interest from scientists and public health professionals due to their potential to overcome many challenges of current malaria control tools and strategies. This is particularly the case in Africa where the burden of malaria is most significant. Uncertainty exists about whether these approaches will work, how effective they might be, who is controlling them, and potential unintended consequences for human health and the environment. Therefore, efforts to enhance the understanding of genetic engineering and biotechnology are needed, to ensure that accurate information about this technology is disseminated in the media by science communicators including the journalists and scientists. In this practice insight, we review the outcomes from workshops and courses hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium aimed at equipping communicators and journalists with skilful techniques to proficiently articulate the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol interventions to the African public. we discuss the gaps and provide insight on how communicators can address some of the basic challenges of developing effective communication and decision-making for genetic biocontrol approaches in Africa.

Tonui, W. K., Ogoyi, D., Thuo, C., Tareh, C., Alukhaba, C. L., Ouedraogo, A., Massouroudini, M., Regine, A. W. N., Ogbaki, A. G., Andae, G., Rotich, G., Kipkoech, A. and Omungo, R. (2024). ‘Communicating the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol approaches: insights from communicators, science journalists and scientists in Africa’. JCOM 23(06), N02. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.23060802.

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In recent years, genetic control technologies have gained traction globally as viable alternatives to chemical insecticides, acknowledging their detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Notably, the sterile insect technique (SIT) has experienced renewed interest as a method for controlling Aedes mosquitoes, particularly following the Zika virus outbreaks in the Americas and the rising incidence of dengue fever. The WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have provided guidelines for testing SIT against Aedes mosquitoes, which serve as the foundation for upcoming trials in the Pacific region. This raises a pertinent question: what is the status of other ongoing trials worldwide?

Bouyer, J. (2024). Current status of the sterile insect technique for the suppression of mosquito populations on a global scale. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-024-01242-z

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Despite notable strides made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality since the year 2000, the disease still remains one of the leading causes of mortality, especially among children aged<5 years. The WHO estimated that globally malaria caused 608 000 deaths in 2022 and 96% (approximately 583 680) of the deaths occurred in the African region. Similar to the global trend, Kenya has observed a decline in malaria burden over time. This has majorly been attributed to the upscaling of malaria control programmes, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and prompt diagnosis and management of malaria cases. This reduction may also be attributed to the implementation of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) in 1996/1997 and integrated community case management (iCCM) in 2013.

Nyawanda, B. O., Khagayi, S., Obor, D., Odhiambo, S. B., Beloconi, A., Otieno, N. A., Bigogo, G., Kariuki, S., Munga, S., & Vounatsou, P. (2024). The effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on malaria mortality at different spatial scales in western Kenya, 2008–2019. BMJ Global Health, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014614

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The suboptimal efficacies of existing anti-malarial drugs attributed to the emergence of drug resistance dampen the clinical outcomes. Hence, there is a need for developing novel drug and drug targets. Recently silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) constructed with the leaf extracts of Euphorbia cotinifolia were shown to possess antimalarial activity. Therefore, the synthesized AgNPs from Euphorbia cotinifolia (EcAgNPs) were tested for their parasite clearance activity. We determined the antimalarial activity in the asexual blood stage infection of 3D7 (laboratory strain) P. falciparum.

Tiwari, S., Kumar, R., Devi, S., Sharma, P., Chaudhary, N. R., Negi, S., Tandel, N., Marepally, S., Pied, S., & Tyagi, R. K. (2024). Biogenically synthesized green silver nanoparticles exhibit antimalarial activity. Discover Nano, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-024-04098-2

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Understanding the relationship between blood-feeding and mating is important in effectively managing the most well-adapted vector insect, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). Although extensive studies have investigated the behavioural aspects of Aedes such as blood-feeding, mating, and their relationship, several knowledge gaps still exist. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the possibility of successful mating by unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid (up to 5 days after blood-feeding with fully developed eggs) female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and production of viable eggs.

Mayilsamy, M., Subramani, S., Veeramanoharan, R. et al. Mating of unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) female mosquitoes in producing viable eggs. Parasites Vectors 17, 362 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06433-z

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Temporal stability was also generally reflected in mitochondrial and nuclear variation. Nevertheless, in a population, a Wolbachia strain replacement coincided with changes in mitochondrial composition but no change in nuclear composition, thus constituting a typical example of mitochondrial sweep caused by endosymbiont rise in frequency. Rare incongruence between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes suggested the occurrence of intraspecific horizontal transmission, making it a biologically relevant parameter for Wolbachia evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare.

Durand, S., Pigeault, R., Giraud, I., Loisier, A., Bech, N., Grandjean, F., Rigaud, T., Peccoud, J., & Cordaux, R. (2024). Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Heredity, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-024-00713-1

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Head porters popularly known as ‘Kayayeis in Ghana, face challenges in accessing essential health care services due to the mobile nature of their trade, low formal education, poor settlements, low-income among others. Kayayeis are predominantly females and form part of the mobile population who are at increased risk of malaria infection. Despite their increased risk of malaria, mobile populations are difficult to target for malaria interventions, hence serving as potential drivers of transmission even if malaria in the general population is controlled. The study, therefore, assessed the patterns and predictors of malaria among the Kayayei population in Ghana to inform policy decisions.

Mintah-Agyeman, E., Adomako, BY., Adu, G.A. et al. Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana. Malar J 23, 222 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-05000-2

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Malaria is a fever condition that results from Plasmodium parasites, which are transferred to humans by the attacks of infected female Anopheles mosquitos. The deterministic compartmental model was examined using stability theory of differential equations. The reproduction number was obtained to be asymptotically stable conditions for the disease-free, and the endemic equilibria were determined. More so, the qualitatively evaluated model incorporates time-dependent variable controls which was aimed at reducing the proliferation of malaria disease.

He, J. J., Aljohani, A., Mustafa, S., Shokri, A., Khalsaraei, M. M., & Mukalazi, H. (2024). Stability analysis of a nonlinear malaria transmission epidemic model using an effective numerical scheme. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-13.

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This scoping review promises an in-depth understanding of current research regarding the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes. The identification of knowledge gaps and intervention needs serves as a valuable resource for malaria-affected countries. The profound implications of community knowledge underscore its pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of prevention, control, and elimination efforts. Insights from this review will assist policymakers, empowering implementers and community leaders in designing effective interventions. This concerted effort aims to adeptly leverage community knowledge, thereby propelling progress toward the achievement of malaria elimination goals.

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Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of community-wide gametocyte-carrier individuals and a high proportion of infected vectors. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of gametocyte-carriage and the sporozoite infectivity rate of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium parasites.

Minwuyelet, A., Abiye, M., Zeleke, A. J., & Getie, S. (2024). Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306289

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