Rotary Club boosts Target Malaria’s Community Engagement on gene drive research for malaria control  

Target Malaria Uganda  at the Uganda Virus Research Institute  (UVRI)  recently joined the Rotary Club of  Garuga for a community engagement event on malaria control in  Bulega  Village,  Nalugala  Parish, Katabi Town Council, Entebbe. 

The event provided a valuable platform to share recent findings on malaria prevalence in Wakiso District,  and to strengthen community knowledge on malaria transmission, prevention, and emerging research tools aimed at reducing the burden of the disease. 

This engagement was a collaboration between  UVRI  and the Rotary Club of  Garuga, aimed at promoting partnership in building local capacity and understanding of malaria control strategies. The engagement created an opportunity for direct interaction with community members, expanding the base of stakeholder’s familiar with the ongoing research being conducted at the UVRI insectary. 

Community members expressed great interest in learning more about genetically modified mosquitoes and how such innovations could contribute to a world free of malaria.  They also appreciated the knowledge shared and raised insightful questions about the research and its potential benefits for their communities. 

The Rotary Club of  Garuga  also commended UVRI  and the  project  for their commitment to collaboration,  noting that such partnerships strengthen trust  and ensure that scientific advancements are communicated in an open and inclusive manner. 

Together with partners,  we  remain dedicated to engaging communities,  to enhance  knowledge sharing, and advancing innovative  research; all  in pursuit of a world free from malaria.