| Popis: |
In 2013, the estimated number of malaria cases for the African region was 163 million with 528,000 deaths. Progress is being made in controlling the disease however the challenge is still huge. An effective vaccine is yet to be commercialized; the parasites and the mosquitoes are developing resistance to drugs and insecticide, respectively. Existing vector control methods (ITNs/LLINs and IRS) are effective but are showing their limits. Control with existing methods is becoming complicated with vectors biting outdoor hence probably maintaining outdoor transmission. It is, therefore, crucial to develop new approaches for vector control. Genetically modified mosquito technologies offer the opportunity for a novel, area-wide, inexpensive, safe, egalitarian, and complementary vector control approach. However to be successful, such approaches should consider biological, environmental, social, ethical, and legal operational dimensions. Capacity building in disease endemic countries will be essential. |
