Risk Perceptions and Acceptability of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes for Malaria Control in Mali, 2025

Malaria remains a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Mali. Despite the promising prospects of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs), their use raises several concerns. Community engagement is essential to the success of this tool. We assessed the Malian population's knowledge and perception of the risks associated with this technology.

The study was conducted in rural areas in the Koulikoro region and Bamako (urban). The survey included 874 heads of household. The statistical analysis was done on R 4.3.0. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify key factors associated with the risk perceptions of GMMs. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant.

The median age was 42 years (IQR: 33, 54), and 20.0% had no formal education. Only 18.2% (159/874) had previously heard information about GMMs, mainly by health workers (61.6%) and radio broadcasts (20.8%). The overall rate of risk perception regarding GMMs was 47.7% (417/874), with the most cited concern being the transmission of unknown diseases (95.9%). A high level of education was positively associated with higher risk perception. As well as being unaware of GMMs, doubts about the efficacy and safety of GMMs. The acceptability rate of GMMs was 77%, conditional on assurances that technology would not cause harmful effects and would first be tested in a controlled, restricted environment before being deployed on a large scale.

Robust community engagement is essential for both research and real-world implementation of GMMs. A Thorough understanding of the conditions related to acceptance of this technology offers a strategic pathway for researchers and policymakers to design GMM that is socially responsive and contextually appropriate.