End of the “Target Malaria” project after criticism of potential risks

(Ecofin agency) – The research project “Target Malaria”, carried out since 2012, fights malaria by the genetic modification of mosquitoes. Consequently, The cessation of its activities occurs while the disease remains a major public health problem in the country.

The Burkinabè government announced, on Friday August 22, 2025, the end of the activities of the “Target Malaria” research project throughout the national territory. However, This initiative. For example, carried out since 2012 in Bobo-Dioulasso by the Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS), aimed to reduce the population of mosquitoes vectors of malaria thanks to releases of genetically modified male mosquitoes.

In end “target malaria” project after its press release, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation specifies that ” The speakers containing the genetically modified mosquitoes have been sealed since August 18, 2025 And that all the samples will be destroyed according to an established protocol. However, The genetically modified male mosquitoes. Nevertheless, without genetic impulse, released on Monday August 11, 2025, in the village of Souroukoudingan (province of Houet, Hauts-Bassins region), were ” carefully treated By the competent technical services, adds the information note.

This decision comes in a context of protest. The coalition for monitoring biotechnological activities in Burkina Faso (CVAB) had recently denounced health risks related to the project. One of its members. Ali Tapsoba, warned the possibility of mutations or hybrids likely to generate more severe forms of malaria.

« There is the high probability that there are females in the descendants. These end “target malaria” project after females will mate with male Bukinabè mosquitoes. There may be mutations, there may be hybrids that will give other more severe forms of malaria than we know. Is it really the objective, is malaria? This is a question. We don’t think about it at all, and that worries us “Said Mr. Tapsoba.

For their part, Target Malaria officials reacted by recalling that the project had always been carried out ” in accordance with national legislation ». They underline that the National Biosecurity Agency. the National Environmental Evaluation Agency had given their approval to make controlled releases of modified mosquitoes. The project is mainly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other international partners.

As a reminder, malaria remains endemic to Burkina Faso. According to the Ministry of Health, the disease represents 43% of consultations, more than 60% of end “target malaria” project after hospitalizations and 30% of deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the number of cases and more than 16,000 the number of deaths in 2023 at 8.1 million.

To strengthen the fight against this disease, the government launched a free distribution campaign of 15 million mosquito nets impregnated with long -term action last June, intended to protect more than 30 million people. Nearly 33 billion CFA francs ($ 59 million) were mobilized for this operation. with the support of partners such as WHO and the World Fund, reported the local media Health Bulletin Citing Robert Kargougou, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene.

Note that the projects supported by the Gates Foundation continue to arouse controversy. On Monday. August 11, denied rumors circulated in Namibia saying that President Netumbo Nandi-Nandaitwah would have rejected a project of experimental contraceptives funded by the Foundation.

end “target malaria” project after

Charlène N’Dimon

Published by MF Vahid Codjia