BLOG: Strengthening gene drive research in Africa through engagement, regulation, and regional cooperation
>> Writes Dickson W. Lwetoijera
On the sidelines of this year’s World Health Assembly, I had the opportunity to speak on a panel exploring the role of genomics in public health. The event, supported by the Science Summit, brought together researchers, regulators, and policymakers to examine how genomic tools can support stronger, more equitable health systems.
I spoke alongside Prof. Georges Christophides of Imperial College London and Dr. Brian B. Tarimo of the Ifakara Health Institute. Together, we reflected on how gene drive technologies could strengthen the fight against malaria in Tanzania and the broader East African region, exploring progress made in gene drive research, and reflecting on what it will take to move forward.
Prof. Christophides opened with a stark reminder of challenges faced in the fight against malaria: in 2023, Tanzania recorded over 8,000,000 cases and just under 25,000 malaria deaths, with 95% of the population at risk. With challenges such as insecticide resistance weakening the impact of current tools like treated nets and indoor residual spraying, the need for new interventions is necessary and unavoidable.
Gene drive technologies offer one such possibility, but only if the right systems are in place to support their development and implementation. Prof. Christophides stressed the importance of strengthening frameworks that enable progress while maintaining safety and transparency. He also highlighted the need for long-term institutional partnerships, where African agencies are not just consulted, but lead the way.
Dr. Tarimo focused on the importance of community engagement, a key aspect of the research. At Transmission Zero, we are working with district-level teams in areas that may host future field trials of gene drive technologies to ensure that communities are informed, involved, and heard. Engaging with local communities means recognizing that their values and concerns must shape the direction of our work from the outset. Without that trust, no technology, no matter how promising, can succeed.
My own contribution emphasized the regional perspective. The success of gene drive technologies in Tanzania will ultimately depend on political commitment and coordination across East Africa. I highlighted the need for stronger cooperation with platforms like the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) to ensure that efforts across countries are aligned. While malaria is a global health issue, the burden is overwhelmingly African, with over 95% of global cases and occurring on the continent. African leadership and context-specific solutions must be at the heart of this work.
The tools and expertise to move gene drive research forward are at hand. Beyond scientific progress, we also need alignment among institutions, meaningful engagement with communities, and leadership rooted in the regions that carry the greatest burden of the disease. Only then can this research translate into real, equitable impact.
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