Target Malaria Burkina Faso Press Kit

Burkina Faso, a country at the forefront of malaria research   

Malaria holds a significant burden on Burkina Faso resources. Burkina Faso accounts for one of the 11 highest malaria burden countries in the world. In 2023 alone, the country experienced over 8.1 million cases of malaria and 16,146 deaths according to World Malaria Report, making the disease responsible for 30% of deaths in the country. 

According to statistics published by the Ministry of Health in 2021, the disease accounts for 43% of consultations with a health provider and over 60% of hospitalisations, placing a considerable burden on an already fragile healthcare system. 

Existing methods of prevention such as insecticide-treated nets, insecticides and antimalaria drugs can help in reducing malaria, however it is not an effective solution to eradicate malaria. New innovative technology is needed in conjunction with previous efforts, in the hope to one day eliminate malaria. 

Target Malaria is based at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS) Burkina Faso, in Bobo-Dioulasso. The Institute is an internationally renowned research centre whose work explores several research topics related to malaria control including vector control, antimalarials and vaccines.  

After obtaining regulatory approvals and community consent, Target Malaria Burkina Faso conducted small-scale releases of genetically modified mosquitoes in the village of Bana on 1 July 2019, for study purposes. This release, the first of its kind in Africa, provided an opportunity to evaluate the genetically modified mosquito strain without genetic drive, known as ‘sterile male’, in the field. The results of the release were published in 2022 in the journal Nature. 

Burkina Faso’s research and scientists is vital to a future world free of malaria.