The African Union Development Agency's Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Programme recently hosted the first session of its 2024 webinar series, focusing on malaria and other vector-borne diseases. This inaugural session, held on the AUDA-NEPAD policy platform known as the Calestous Juma Executive Dialogues (CJED), aimed to bring together researchers, regulators, entomologists, and various stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and share knowledge on managing vector-borne diseases, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The session coincided with World Malaria Day on April 25, 2024, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to combat malaria, which continues to claim many lives annually, particularly among the most vulnerable populations in Africa.

Moderated by Dr. Jeremy Ouedraogo, a consultant for the program, the webinar provided an insightful overview of global and African-specific challenges in vector-borne disease control, with a particular focus on malaria, its prevalence, the limitations of current control strategies, and the need for innovative solutions. His opening remarks highlighted the substantial burden of malaria, emphasising that it predominantly affects African children and expectant mothers, with annual mortality rates alarmingly high.

The presentations were delivered by a panel of distinguished experts who shared their experiences and research findings. Dr. Basiliana Emidi, a Medical Entomologist from the National Institute for Medical Research in Dodoma, Tanzania, opened the discussions by providing an insightful overview of community engagement in malaria vector control. Her talk emphasised the importance of addressing health equity, gender, and human rights in vector control programs. Following Dr Emidi, Dr Christian Kompaore, Permanent Secretary of the National Council for Malaria Elimination in Burkina Faso, offered an in-depth look at vector-borne diseases globally, discussing the pressing need for innovative approaches to combat these diseases. He also gave an overview of vector control in Burkina Faso and current technologies, including drones, used in vector control.

Dr. Adama Gansane from the National IVM Platform, Burkina Faso, shared insights on the malaria burden in the region, focusing on the tools available for malaria elimination and the limits of current strategies. His presentation highlighted the critical need for ongoing adaptation and enhancement of tools to effectively manage malaria. Lastly, Dr Moussa Savadogo, a consultant for the IVM Programme, discussed the role of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) as a complementary tool in the fight against malaria in light of current limitations. Dr. Savadogo highlighted that for over two decades, scientists have been developing GMMs to serve as public health tools aimed at preventing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. He further outlined the regulatory landscape that governs the development and potential deployment of GMMs and the importance of a rigorous regulatory framework that includes policy authorisation, safety assessments, and ethical considerations.

The regulatory framework for GMMs is underpinned by various international treaties, regional regulations, and national laws, ensuring that any deployment of GMMs is safe for humans, animals, and the environment. The session also addressed the necessity of strong community engagement throughout all stages of GBVC development. This engagement is crucial to maintain transparency and public trust, especially in areas affected by vector-borne diseases. The session further introduced the audience to the comprehensive guidelines developed under the AUDA-NEPAD West Africa Integrated Vector Management (WA-IVM) platform. These guidelines cover a wide range of topics crucial for the safe and ethical use of genetically modified mosquitoes. They include Ethics Guidelines for the use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes, Guidelines for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), and Guidelines for Risk Analysis for the Testing and Deployment of these mosquitoes. Additionally, standards for Importation, Exportation, Handling, Labelling, and Storage, as well as protocols for Containment Facilities and Compliance Monitoring of activities involving genetically modified mosquitoes, were elaborated. These guidelines are designed to ensure that all phases of genetic mosquito management are conducted within a framework that prioritises safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.

The discussion that followed the presentations was robust, with participants engaging in a lively exchange of ideas and experiences. This interaction not only enriched the session but also fostered a shared understanding and awareness among the stakeholders about the complexities of malaria and vector management.

In conclusion, the webinar achieved its aim of setting a strong foundation for the upcoming sessions scheduled throughout the year. These sessions will continue to explore themes around malaria and vector-borne diseases with the aim of enhancing regulatory capacity, increasing awareness of ongoing efforts, and identifying concrete actions needed to accelerate progress in malaria elimination. On June 26th, the second webinar will discuss the regulation of gene drive technology for malaria control in Africa. The third session, tentatively scheduled for September 25th, will aim to strengthen African Union regulatory systems for Integrated Vector Management, emphasising collaboration across various sectors. The final webinar planned for mid-November will enhance negotiation skills for African negotiators involved in international biodiversity and health decisions related to gene drive technologies, aiming to improve strategic negotiation outcomes. Each session builds on the previous, advancing the agenda for effective vector control across the continent.