OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, August 14, 2024 /African Media Agency (AMA)/- Target Malaria, an innovative research project aimed at reducing malaria transmission through gene drive, has just received significant support from the National Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of Burkina Faso (ANSAL-BF). This declaration of support follows a three-day in-depth visit, from July 18 to 20, to Target Malaria’s facilities at the Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso.
In its official statement, ANSAL-BF stressed the importance of the project for the country: “The Target Malaria project contributes to raising our country to the level of centers of excellence in the world in terms of malaria research. We appeal to the ministers in charge of Health, Scientific Research and the Environment to support, monitor and evaluate the project by all means. And the population to distance itself from scientific untruths, in particular the amalgamation between malaria and dengue fever.”
Recognition of the scientific interest of the project
The delegation, led by Dr. Paco Sérémé, President of ANSAL-BF, visited the IRSS facilities, including the insectarium, in compliance with international guidelines for arthropod containment (ACL). They also met with communities at one of the research sites, the village of Souroukoudingan.
At the end of this visit, Dr. Sérémé stressed: “Target Malaria is of undeniable scientific interest for our country. This project aims to provide technologies to reduce the impact of malaria by targeting its vectors.”
Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté, Principal Investigator of Target Malaria Burkina Faso, expressed his gratitude: “The support of the Academy of Sciences and the government strengthens our determination to develop sustainable and ethical approaches to combat malaria. We are convinced that investing in innovative research methods and training the next generation of African scientists will bring us closer to our goal of eliminating malaria in Africa.”
Validation of the scientific approach
This visit follows the encouragement expressed in March 2024 by Professor Adjima Thiombiano, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. “The relevance of the project is obvious. We have found that scientific rigor is essential,” added Dr. Sérémé.
The Academy also stressed the importance of communication with all stakeholders. Target Malaria is committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with all those interested in the project.
Excellence in scientific research on malaria
Based at the IRSS, Western Regional Directorate in Bobo-Dioulasso, Target Malaria Burkina Faso has been carrying out activities since 2012, mainly around the collection of entomological data. Burkina Faso offers an ideal study ground for research on malaria-carrying mosquitoes. According to the Ministry of Health, the disease accounts for 43% of medical consultations, more than 60% of hospitalizations and 30% of deaths.
In 2019, Target Malaria carried out a release of genetically modified mosquitoes, the first of its kind in Africa.
Distributed by African Media Agency pour Target Malaria.
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About Target Malaria
Target Malaria is a non-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, sustainable and cost-effective technologies that will modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. We have a vision: a world free of malaria. Target Malaria strives for excellence in all aspects of its work, creating a responsible research pathway for the development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive.
Target Malaria receives its primary funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The host institution is Imperial College London, with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
Email: [email protected]
Site web : www.targetmalaria.org
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-08-14 12:10:55
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