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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Preventing the Spread of Malaria and Dengue Fever Using Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Published on: July 4, 2007
Perceptions and recommendations by scientists for a potential release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Nigeria
Patricia N Okorie1, John M Marshall, Onoja M Akpa
1Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. pnokorie@comui.edu.ng.
Background:
The use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) for the control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases has been proposed in malaria-endemic countries, such as Nigeria, which has the largest burden in Africa. Scientists are major stakeholders whose opinions and perceptions can adversely affect the success of the trials of GMMs if they are not involved early. Unfortunately, information on the awareness of Nigerians scientists and their overall perception of the GMMs is practically non-existent in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed at understanding how receptive Nigerian scientists are to a potential release of GMMs for the control of malaria.
Methods:
The sample consisted of 164 scientists selected from academic and research institutions in Nigeria. Data were collected from participants using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Questions were asked about the cause and prevention of malaria, genetic modification and biotechnology. Specific questions on perception and acceptable conditions for the potential release of GM mosquitoes in Nigeria were also covered.
Results:
All participants cited mosquitoes as one of several causes of malaria and used various methods for household control of mosquitoes. The main concerns expressed by the scientists were that GMMs can spread in an uncontrolled way beyond their release sites (89%) and will mate with other mosquito species to produce hybrids with unknown consequences (94.5%). Most participants (92.7%) agreed that it was important that before approving the release of GMMs in Nigeria, there had to be evidence of contingency measures available to remove the GMMs should a hazard become evident during the course of the release. In general, a majority (83.5%) of scientists who participated in this study were sceptical about a potential release in Nigeria, while 16.5% of the participants were in support.
Conclusions:
Although a majority of the participants are sceptical about GMMs generally, most encourage the use of genetic modification techniques to make mosquitoes incapable of spreading diseases provided that there are contingency measures to remove GMMs if a hazard becomes evident during the course of the release.
Insights
Nigerian scientists are skeptical about genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) for malaria control, primarily due to concerns about uncontrolled spread and unknown hybrid consequences. They support GMMs only if effective removal contingency measures are in place.
Area of Science:
- Vector control
- Genetic engineering
- Public health
Background:
- Nigeria faces a high burden of malaria, prompting consideration of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) for disease control.
- Scientist perceptions are crucial for the success of GMM trials, yet data on Nigerian scientists' views are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the awareness and perception of Nigerian scientists regarding the potential release of GMMs for malaria control.
- To understand the conditions under which Nigerian scientists would accept GMMs.
Main Methods:
- A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 164 scientists from Nigerian academic and research institutions.
- Data collected covered malaria knowledge, genetic modification, and specific perceptions of GMM release in Nigeria.
Main Results:
- Scientists identified mosquitoes as a malaria cause and used various control methods.
- Major concerns included uncontrolled spread (89%) and hybrid formation (94.5%) of GMMs.
- A significant majority (83.5%) expressed skepticism towards GMM release without contingency plans.
Conclusions:
- Most Nigerian scientists are hesitant about GMMs due to potential risks.
- Support for GMMs is contingent on the availability of robust contingency measures for removal.
- Genetic modification to incapacitate disease transmission is encouraged if risks can be managed.
