OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, October 24, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Malaria is an endemic disease that threatens the entire population in Burkina Faso. The most vulnerable are women and children, who are disproportionately affected by this disease. Target Malaria is aware of the decisive role of women and young people in the fight against malaria. As primary caregivers and a vulnerable group, women are at the heart of our strategy. As part of its stakeholder engagement activities, Target Malaria aims to increase the involvement and education of these key groups on current vector control methods, as well as new technologies, such as genetically modified mosquitoes. This inclusive approach ensures better understanding and adoption of innovative tools in the fight against malaria.
According to the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso, malaria is the cause of 43% of consultations with a health provider, more than 60% of hospitalizations and 30% of deaths. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 8 million cases of malaria and 16,669 deaths linked to this disease in this country.
“Since the disease does not discriminate, it is women who bear the societal and economic burden of malaria. This disease spreads in situations of extreme poverty, de facto intensifying difficulties and accentuating existing inequalities,” says Dr Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator of the Target Malaria Burkina Faso program.
According to a report by the RMB Partnership to End Malaria and Malaria no More titled « The case for investing in a gendered approach to the fight against malaria »hundreds of millions of pregnant women and children under five are particularly vulnerable to malaria. It should be noted that children under the age of five account for two-thirds of all deaths from this endemic disease. Others, especially adolescent girls, face numerous gender gaps in malaria service coverage, sometimes with lifelong repercussions.
Target Malaria, a nonprofit research consortium, is pioneering the use of gene drive, a naturally occurring genetic mechanism, to engineer genetic modification in mosquitoes that transmit malaria, thereby biasing the rate of heredity while affecting their ability to reproduce. This innovative approach promises to be a potentially sustainable and cost-effective method to reduce the malaria mosquito population and ultimately end malaria transmission in the future.
According to Dr Paré Toé, “the fields of science and research increasingly need women and an unprecedented commitment to them, young people and children within communities”. She adds that her role mainly consists of involving the local communities of Bobo-Dioulasso and the villages of Bana and Souroukoudinga. “Our team focused on women and young people, highlighting their essential role in raising awareness among populations about potential current interventions and treatments against malaria.”
These commitments include organizing community meetings, educational workshops, interactive plays and participating in the Voices from the Field video series – allowing community members to share their experiences of malaria and their impressions of the work of Target Malaria.
These discussions aim to promote a better understanding of how gene drive technology works and its potential impact on communities. These activities are essential for allowing teams and communities to get to know each other, build trust and create regular communication channels.
Gender issues in the transmission and treatment of malaria
“When it comes to health care, women are often the first responders in their families, and young children suffer the most from the devastating effects of malaria,” says Dr Paré Toé.
“Most of the time, women, especially in rural and underserved communities, have limited autonomy and access to financial resources, which can limit their ability to obtain adequate health care in a timely manner. Additionally, societal norms and responsibilities, such as childcare and household management, increase their vulnerability to mosquito bites, early in the morning and late at night, when mosquitoes are more active,” explains Krystal Birungi, Field Entomology Coordinator – Target Malaria Uganda.
Furthermore, adult women are not the only ones to take care of their children. Young girls are often required to care for their sick brothers and sisters, which prevents them from continuing their studies.
“Beyond scientific innovation, our mission represents a commitment to co-development, excellence and responsibility, recognizing the invaluable contributions of African women in the fight against malaria,” adds Dr. Paré Toé.
Imagine a world without malaria
According to The Malaria Dividend report, recently commissioned by Malaria No More UK, a malaria-free future would have a huge impact on the development of countries where the disease is endemic. In particular, it would make it possible to reduce the burden of disease weighing on African women and children, and therefore improve the health of families and communities. Lowering infant mortality rates would enable more children to reach their full potential and contribute to a more equitable and well-educated society and a thriving economy.
Women, freed from the devastating effects of malaria, could fully participate in working life and community life, which would promote economic growth and development.
“With fewer resources devoted to malaria treatment, families could invest more in education, nutrition and other basic needs. Countries would save billions in healthcare costs and lost productivity, funds that could be redeployed to benefit infrastructure, education systems and other strategic areas. As economies strengthen, the quality of life generally improves, narrowing the gap between rich and poor,” says Ms. Birungi.
“As we work towards a malaria-free world, we have invested in African researchers, specifically in capacity building, mentoring and skills development, to train the next generation of African researchers, so that their voices are heard and their skills used,” concludes Dr Paré Toé.
Although the journey is neither perfect nor easy, significant progress has been made. By empowering African communities and adopting collaborative and innovative approaches such as Target Malaria and other research initiatives, it is possible to ensure that the impact is truly transformative.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) pour Target Malaria.
Notes to editors:
About Target Malaria:
Target Malaria is a non-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world without malaria. We strive for excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene driving. www.targetmalaria.org
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-10-24 08:46:00
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Interview with Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator of Target Malaria Burkina Faso
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Paré Toé. Malaria is a significant challenge in Burkina Faso, particularly for women and children. Can you explain the specific impact malaria has on these groups?
Dr. Paré Toé: Thank you for having me. Malaria is indeed a grave concern in our country, accounting for 43% of consultations with health providers and being responsible for over 30% of deaths. Women and children, especially those under five, are disproportionately affected. They bear both the societal and economic burden of the disease, which exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly in impoverished areas.
Editor: You mentioned that women play a crucial role in the fight against malaria. Could you elaborate on why their involvement is so vital?
Dr. Paré Toé: Women are often the primary caregivers in families and communities. Given their roles, they are essential in raising awareness about malaria and advocating for prevention strategies. By targeting women and young people in our campaigns, we ensure that knowledge and resources are disseminated to those who will carry this information to their families and neighbors.
Editor: Target Malaria is using innovative technologies like genetically modified mosquitoes. How do you engage the community on these advanced methods?
Dr. Paré Toé: Education is at the heart of our strategy. We hold community meetings and workshops to discuss current and potential interventions, including gene drive technology. We also create interactive plays and use video series to share testimonies about malaria experiences. Building trust through regular communication is key to fostering understanding and acceptance of these new technologies.
Editor: The gender dimensions of malaria are prominent in your initiatives. Can you provide insights into how societal norms affect the health of women and children regarding malaria exposure?
Dr. Paré Toé: Societal norms often place women in roles with limited autonomy and access to health resources. They frequently tend to household duties at times when malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active, which increases their exposure. Young girls, who also have caretaking responsibilities, may miss educational opportunities, creating a cycle of disadvantage. It’s crucial that we address these gaps in our outreach and engagement efforts.
Editor: what vision do you have for a future without malaria, particularly concerning the empowerment of women and families?
Dr. Paré Toé: A malaria-free future would be transformative. It would not only reduce mortality and improve public health but also empower women by allowing them to participate fully in economic and community life. Families would be able to invest in education and essential services instead of malaria treatment. Ultimately, this shift would lead to stronger communities and equitable societies, laying the foundation for sustainable development.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Paré Toé. Your work is vital in the fight against malaria, and we wish you and your team all the best moving forward.
Dr. Paré Toé: Thank you very much! Together, we can make a significant difference.
Night, which increases their exposure to mosquitoes when they are most active. Young girls often take on caregiving roles, which can hinder their education and perpetuate a cycle of limited opportunity. By addressing these cultural norms and providing education, we aim to empower these women and girls to seek better health care and advocate for themselves and their communities.
Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. What changes do you hope to see in the near future for women and children in relation to malaria?
Dr. Paré Toé: Our ultimate goal is to create a malaria-free environment so that women can fully engage in their communities without the fear of illness impacting their families. We want to see improved health outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and greater economic participation from women. By empowering these groups, we can make significant strides toward not only combating malaria but also enhancing overall community well-being and resilience.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Paré Toé, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your work with Target Malaria is vital for the health and future of Burkina Faso.
Dr. Paré Toé: Thank you for having me. Together, with the right knowledge and support, we can indeed envision a future free from malaria.
