Hybrid mosquitoes? Evidence from rural Tanzania on how local communities conceptualize and respond to modified mosquitoes as a tool for malaria control

Abstract

Background Different forms of mosquito modifications are being considered as potential high-impact and low-cost tools for future malaria control in Africa. Although still under evaluation, the eventual success of these technologies will require high-level public acceptance. Understanding prevailing community perceptions of mosquito modification is, therefore, crucial for effective design and implementation of these interventions. This study investigated community perceptions regarding genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs) and their potential for malaria control in Tanzanian villages where no research or campaign for such technologies has yet been undertaken. Methods A mixed-methods design was used, involving: (i) focus group discussions (FGD) with community leaders to get insights on how they frame and would respond to GMMs, and (ii) structured questionnaires administered to 490 community members to assess awareness, perceptions and support for GMMs for malaria control. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings and thematic content analysis was used to identify key concepts and interpret the findings. Results Nearly all survey respondents were unaware of mosquito modification technologies for malaria control (94.3%), and reported no knowledge of their specific characteristics (97.3%). However, community leaders participating in FGDs offered a set of distinctive interpretive frames to conceptualize interventions relying on GMMs for malaria control. The participants commonly referenced their experiences of cross-breeding for selecting preferred traits in domestic plants and animals. Preferred GMMs attributes included the expected reductions in insecticide use and human labour. Population suppression approaches, requiring as few releases as possible, were favoured. Common concerns included whether the GMMs would look or behave differently than wild mosquitoes, and how the technology would be integrated into current malaria control policies. The participants emphasised the importance and the challenge of educating and engaging communities during the technology development. Conclusions Understanding how communities perceive and interpret novel technologies is crucial to the design and effective implementation of new vector control programmes. This study offers vital clues on how communities with no prior experience of modified mosquitoes might conceptualize or respond to such technologies when deployed in the context of malaria control programmes. Drawing upon existing interpretive frames and locally-resonant analogies when deploying such technologies may provide a basis for more durable public support in the future.

Perspectives of African Stakeholders on Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination: A Multi-Country Survey

“…The survey respondents demonstrated relatively high levels of awareness about GDMMs, which can be attributed to extensive discussions on this topic in various communication forums. This contrasts with previous studies conducted in Africa, which indicated relatively low levels of awareness of similar technologies among stakeholders in Mali [45], Nigeria [46] and Tanzania [47,48]. The difference may be attributable, at least in part, to increasing internet coverage and expanding reach of social media.…”

“…In this regard, they emphasized the need for top-down approach engagement in many African countries, as this aligns with their governance structures. The importance of involving local stakeholders, and of adapting CSE efforts to local context has also been recommended in previous studies across Africa [45][46][47][48],…”

Conceptual risk assessment of mosquito population modification gene-drive systems to control malaria transmission: preliminary hazards list workshops

“…While this information will inform future work, the final process for risk assessment will be determined by the appropriate authorities and communities at prospective field sites. Independent community engagement activities have taken place at African field sites and there is overlap among the concerns and issues addressed here ( Finda et al, 2021 ). For example, concerns are expressed about the possibility of increased disease transmission and horizontal gene transfer causing harm to humans or other animals.…”

Correction to: Hybrid mosquitoes? Evidence from rural Tanzania on how local communities conceptualize and respond to modified mosquitoes as a tool for malaria control

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], it was brought to our attention that the article had published with an incorrect Funding declaration.…”