Abstract
Reducing the incidence of malaria has been a public health priority for nearly a century. New technologies and associated vector control strategies play an important role in the prospect of sustained reductions. The development of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system has generated new possibilities for the use of gene-drive constructs to reduce or alter vector populations to reduce malaria incidence. However, before these technologies can be developed and exploited, it will be necessary to understand and assess the likelihood of any potential harms to humans or the environment. To begin this process, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the International Life Sciences Institute Research Foundation organized an expert workshop to consider the potential risks related to the use of gene drives in Anopheles gambiae for malaria control in Africa. The resulting discussion yielded a series of consensus points that are reported here.
Highlights
The control of malaria has been a global public health priority for almost 100 years.[1]
In Africa, it is estimated that measures against malaria vectoring mosquitoes, notably the use of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs) and house spraying with residual insecticides (IRS), have contributed ∼78% of all gains accrued against malaria since 2000
More than 3 billion people remain at risk for malaria infection, and more than 200 million cases and over 400,000 deaths have been attributed to malaria in 2015.† This burden falls disproportionately on sub-Saharan Africa, where the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, coexists with the most efficient malaria vectors, including Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus
Summary
The control of malaria has been a global public health priority for almost 100 years.[1]. Despite the key successes already achieved by major malaria vector control tools like LLINs and IRS, new complementary technologies are constantly being developed and evaluated for use in control programs to bridge existing gaps and accelerate progress toward eventual malaria elimination. With the goal to inform research programs, public health and donor organizations and government regulators about plausible risks related to potential uses of gene-drive technology in mosquitoes, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health convened a 3-day workshop involving expert participants with diverse perspectives to identify the hazards. The case studies were developed to illustrate realistic applications of gene drive for malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on A. gambiae
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