Mosquito research in Ghana aims to combat malaria resistance

Researchers at the Vestergaard–Noguchi Vector Labs (VNVL) in Ghana are conducting essential studies on mosquito populations to ensure the continued effectiveness of malaria prevention tools. In 2024, malaria infections reached 282 million, resulting in 610,000 deaths, with 94 percent of cases and 95 percent of deaths occurring in Africa.

Data from the Malaria Atlas Project indicates that malaria control efforts have prevented over 1.22 billion cases and 3.5 million deaths in Africa since 2000. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been the primary driver of this progress, accounting for 72 percent of prevented cases.

However, scientists warn that mosquitoes evolve rapidly, developing resistance to insecticides and changing their behaviors. Ongoing research and monitoring are required to develop next-generation ITNs and vaccines that can stay ahead of these evolutionary changes.