AUDA-NEPAD hosts a strategic workshop in Ouagadougou on innovative technologies against malaria

Malaria is a serious health emergency in many African countries. According to the World Malaria Report 2024, approximately two-thirds of malaria cases and deaths worldwide are concentrated in 11 African countries, including Burkina Faso. Due to the resistance of mosquito vectors to insecticides and parasites to drugs, it is increasingly recognised that malaria control interventions are no longer sufficient, and that innovation is necessary if we are to hope to eliminate the disease one day. 

From 14 to 15 July 2025, members of Target Malaria Burkina Faso participated in a workshop organised by AUDA-NEPAD in Ouagadougou to discuss the use of innovative technologies in the fight against malaria. Countries in the West African sub-region such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo were also represented.  

AUDA-NEPAD reiterated its commitment to working to strengthen the capacity of regulatory authorities, improve and share knowledge, and provide training on the use and regulation of innovative vector control tools. The meeting also provided an opportunity to share information and highlight guidelines on the use of genetically modified mosquitoes with gene drive technology in vector control. Regulation, for example, is an area ripe for regional cooperation; discussions highlighted regulatory processes and cross-border concerns related to the potential use of gene drive technology. 

Authorities from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Research also participated in the workshop, symbolising Burkina Faso’s commitment to research into innovative technologies. Dr. Jonas Kologo, technical advisor representing the Minister of Higher Education, reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s commitment to advancing responsible genetic innovations through scientific research, strengthening institutional capacity, supporting the national integrated vector management platform, developing a regulatory framework, and fostering regional collaboration. 

 Dr Adjima Combary, Chief of Staff representing the Minister of Health, particularly praised the Target Malaria project, whose promising technology could one day help break the chain of malaria transmission. 

The workshop was productive and demonstrated a commitment to creating an environment for scientific research and up-to-date regulations that take into account the expectations of all stakeholders.