Abstract

BackgroundGenetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes have been proposed as part of an integrated vector control strategy for malaria control. Public acceptance is essential prior to field trials, particularly since mosquitoes are a vector of human disease and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) face strong scepticism in developed and developing nations. Despite this, in sub-Saharan Africa, where the GM mosquito effort is primarily directed, very little data is available on perspectives to GMOs. Here, results are presented of a qualitative survey of public attitudes to GM mosquitoes for malaria control in rural and urban areas of Mali, West Africa between the months of October 2008 and June 2009.MethodsThe sample consisted of 80 individuals - 30 living in rural communities, 30 living in urban suburbs of Bamako, and 20 Western-trained and traditional health professionals working in Bamako and Bandiagara. Questions were asked about the cause of malaria, heredity and selective breeding. This led to questions about genetic alterations, and acceptable conditions for a release of pest-resistant GM corn and malaria-refractory GM mosquitoes. Finally, participants were asked about the decision-making process in their community. Interviews were transcribed and responses were categorized according to general themes.ResultsMost participants cited mosquitoes as one of several causes of malaria. The concept of the gene was not widely understood; however selective breeding was understood, allowing limited communication of the concept of genetic modification. Participants were open to a release of pest-resistant GM corn, often wanting to conduct a trial themselves. The concept of a trial was reapplied to GM mosquitoes, although less frequently. Participants wanted to see evidence that GM mosquitoes can reduce malaria prevalence without negative consequences for human health and the environment. For several participants, a mosquito control programme was preferred; however a transgenic release that satisfied certain requirements was usually acceptable.ConclusionsAlthough there were some dissenters, the majority of participants were pragmatic towards a release of GM mosquitoes. An array of social and cultural issues associated with malaria, mosquitoes and genetic engineering became apparent. If these can be successfully addressed, then social acceptance among the populations surveyed seems promising.

Highlights

  • Genetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes have been proposed as part of an integrated vector control strategy for malaria control

  • Public acceptance is essential prior to field trials of transgenic mosquitoes, since mosquitoes are a vector of human disease and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) face strong scepticism in both developed and developing nations [8,9]

  • Malaria is prevalent in sub-Saharan Mali and the country is the site of extensive research on the ecology of malaria vectors of relevance to the GM mosquito project [19]

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Summary

Introduction

Genetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes have been proposed as part of an integrated vector control strategy for malaria control. Malaria control programmes in Africa have had very limited success throughout the years [3,4], and in the absence of a single effective strategy there has been increasing interest in integrated vector control strategies [5] and the distribution of anti-malarial drugs. The former would incorporate indoor residual spraying with insecticides, insecticide-treated bed nets and removal of mosquito breeding sites. In the case of malaria, a gene drive system would likely be used to drive refractory genes through mosquito populations [7], essentially replacing the population of susceptible vectors

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