By Editorial,
Scientists at the Uganda Virus Research Institute are optimistic about their ongoing research using mosquitoes to curb malaria.
The project, launched in 2016, is nearing the crucial stage of acquiring mosquitoes from a US laboratory and initiating their breeding program though this requires approval from the National Council for Science and Technology.
Dr. Jude Bigirwenkye, UVRI’s stakeholder engagement manager, emphasizes the importance of continuous research for burdened countries like Uganda to eradicate malaria.
He highlights the collaborative nature of the project, involving teams across Africa, the UK, the US, and a local target malaria consortium.
The World Health Organization estimates that 600,000 people die from malaria globally, with a staggering 48 daily deaths in Uganda alone. The majority of these fatalities are children and pregnant mothers. END