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Using Gene Drive Technologies to Control Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Stephanie James

    (The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA)

  • Karen H. Tountas

    (The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA)

Abstract

After years of success in reducing the global malaria burden, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that progress has stalled. Over 90% of malaria deaths world-wide occurred in the WHO African Region. New tools are needed to regain momentum and further decrease the burden of malaria. Gene drive, an emerging technology that can enhance the inheritance of beneficial genes, offers potentially transformative solutions for overcoming these challenges. Gene drives may decrease disease transmission by interfering with the growth of the malaria parasite in the mosquito vector or reducing mosquito reproductive capacity. Like other emerging technologies, development of gene drive products faces technical and non-technical challenges and uncertainties. In 2018, to begin addressing such challenges, a multidisciplinary group of international experts published comprehensive recommendations for responsible testing and implementation of gene drive-modified mosquitoes to combat malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. Considering requirements for containment, efficacy and safety testing, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and authorization, as well as policy and regulatory issues, the group concluded that gene drive products for malaria can be tested safely and ethically, but that this will require substantial coordination, planning, and capacity development. The group emphasized the importance of co-development and co-ownership of products by in-country scientists.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie James & Karen H. Tountas, 2018. "Using Gene Drive Technologies to Control Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:12:p:4789-:d:190787
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert W. Snow & Benn Sartorius & David Kyalo & Joseph Maina & Punam Amratia & Clara W. Mundia & Philip Bejon & Abdisalan M. Noor, 2017. "The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa since 1900," Nature, Nature, vol. 550(7677), pages 515-518, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hartley, Sarah & Ledingham, Katie & Owen, Richard & Leonelli, Sabina & Diarra, Samba & Diop, Samba, 2021. "Experimenting with co-development: A qualitative study of gene drive research for malaria control in Mali," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).

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