BLOW FOR THE WAR AGAINST MALARIA AS TARGET MALARIA ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED IN BURKINA FASO
The government of Burkina Faso has terminated the Target Malaria project across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI) on August 22, 2025.
The decision to terminate the project was made following decisions N° 2025-000011/MESRI/CAB/ANB on August 18, 2025, and N°2025-096/MESRI/SG/CNRST/DG on August 22, 2025.
The enclosures containing genetically modified mosquitoes were sealed on August 18, 2025, and all samples will be destroyed according to a specified protocol.
The genetically modified male mosquitoes released in the village of Souroukoudingan, Houet Province, Guiriko Region, were handled by competent technical services.
Subsequently, all activities of the Target Malaria project have been terminated across the national territory.
The National Biosafety Agency (ANB) and the National Environmental Assessment Agency (ANEVE) responded favourably in July 2025 to the authorisation request submitted by the Target Malaria Burkina Faso team based at the Institute of Health Sciences Research (IRSS), to conduct controlled releases of non gene drive genetically modified male bias mosquitoes. As part of this process, the Ethics Committee for Health Research also issued its approval.
In addition to the regulatory authorisations obtained from the ANB and ANEVE, the project received agreement from the communities of the field sites to proceed with the activities in their villages.
On 11 August 2025, one small-scale release of non-gene drive genetically modified male bias mosquitoes took place successfully, in accord with terms and conditions of the ANB and ANEVE permits.
On 18 August, the national authorities requested the Target Malaria team at IRSS to suspend all their activities. The IRSS team complied with the request.
On 22 August, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation issued a communiqué informing “the Burkinabe republic that it has terminated all the activities of the project Target Malaria on its territory”
Context and Implications
The Target Malaria project aimed to reduce malaria transmission by releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes that are unable to produce viable offspring. The project’s termination may have significant implications for malaria control efforts in Burkina Faso, a country experiencing one of the highest burdens of the disease.
Scientists have expressed disappointment at the recent development, noting that it will hamper the strides made in the war against malaria. Scientists hope that a holistic solution will be found to ensure the work being spearheaded by Target Malaria in the war against Malaria continues.
Target Malaria, an innovative research consortium, has been at the forefront of developing new genetic tools to aid malaria vector control. Their project in Burkina Faso was an innovative attempt to curb malaria using genetically modified mosquitoes. Their methodology, which incorporates scientific research, ethical considerations, and collaboration with the community, has established a framework for advancements in global health. Experiences from Burkina Faso may contribute to developments in malaria control and affect policies related to emerging biotechnologies internationally
According to the World Malaria Report 2024, there were an estimated 260 million malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths in 83 countries (2023)