SEA Target Malaria - Provision of a Scoping Study for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on behalf of Target Malaria
Project Abstract
Genetically modified mosquitoes represent great potential for malaria control. Any future application of gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control will require many elements, including policy action, regulatory approvals, community agreement in release and monitoring areas, and public engagement. Risks and benefits to human and animal health, the environment and biodiversity as well as socio-economic considerations will need to be balanced during the decision-making process.
Target Malaria –a not-for-profit research consortium based at Imperial College - tasked Swiss TPH, together with partners at the University of Liverpool, with conducting a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) scoping study of the potential use of Anopheles mosquitoes containing a gene drive construct aimed to suppress populations of malaria vector mosquitoes. The assessments main objectives are to:
(i) raise awareness amongst policy makers of genetic control tools for malaria using gene drives
(ii) develop knowledge on possible environmental, including social and human health impacts connected with (and in advance of) any potential releases of Anopheles mosquito species containing a gene drive (the action) and subsequent reduction of malaria (the desired effect)
(iii) review the regulatory and policy frameworks and guidance in malaria control and for genetically modified mosquitoes/organisms in 15 target countries in West Africa.
