2021: progress during challenging times

Abstract

Target Malaria’s scientific progress and global health impact campaign for 2020 is reported. The COVID-19 pandemic led to adaptations for scientific research continuity and safety measures. WHO officially supported research on genetically modified mosquitoes for vector-borne disease control. Imperial College London successfully created a gene drive mosquito strain with male bias, and modeling indicated the successful use of female sterility modification. The team at Polo d’Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia determined the short lifespan of an autosomal male bias strain, Target Malaria Burkina Faso released sterile male mosquitoes for monitoring and submitted a report to their regulatory agency, Target Malaria Cape Verde launched its project, Target Malaria Ghana paused its studies due to COVID restrictions, Target Malaria Mali concluded its work and engaged with stakeholders and the community, and Target Malaria Uganda began studying a non-GM mosquito variant. Target Malaria focused on stakeholder engagement, organizing acceptance and consent workshops to ensure community collaboration, a vital component of its work. – AI-generated abstract.