In the fight against mosquitoes, young scientists and volunteers in Kenya are working tirelessly to combat a creature that poses a significant threat to global public health. The mosquito, responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, has been a longstanding adversary in public health efforts.
Over the years, the war against mosquitoes has seen both victories and setbacks. In the 1970s, insecticides were introduced to spray inside houses and on bed nets to protect people, especially children, from mosquito-borne diseases. These measures were effective for some time, leading to a decline in malaria cases and deaths. Malaria, a disease that has historically killed more people than any other, seemed to be losing its grip.
However, in recent years, progress has slowed and, in some cases, reversed. The insecticides that once worked well have become less effective as mosquitoes evolved to survive them. Malaria cases and deaths, after reaching historic lows in 2015, have started to rise again. This resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases is attributed to several factors.
According to the New York Times, One significant factor is the adaptability of mosquitoes. As more people use bed nets and insecticide sprays indoors, mosquitoes have shifted their behavior. They now bite outdoors and during the daytime, posing new challenges for prevention efforts. Mosquitoes’ genetic makeup evolves rapidly in response to environmental changes, contributing to their resistance to insecticides.
Additionally, the malaria parasite itself has become increasingly resistant to drugs used for treatment. The introduction of a new mosquito species, which thrives in urban areas and has migrated from Asia to Africa, has expanded the reach of mosquito-borne infections. This shift has made over 100 million more people vulnerable to these diseases.
Climate change has also played a role in this battle, bringing mosquitoes carrying diseases like dengue and chikungunya to regions where they were previously absent. Even the United States experienced its first locally transmitted malaria cases in 20 years, underscoring the global reach of mosquito-borne diseases.
In response to these challenges, scientists worldwide are searching for innovative solutions. Some promising approaches include genetically modifying mosquitoes to block disease transmission. However, the development and deployment of these tools face significant cost and regulatory hurdles. The lengthy process of testing and regulatory approval for new interventions contrasts sharply with the rapid evolution of mosquitoes.
While mosquitoes have a life span of about six weeks, it can take a decade or more to develop and deploy a new technology to combat them. Funding for these efforts, primarily provided by high-income nations and philanthropists, has plateaued, making it increasingly challenging to motivate the necessary investment for large-scale trials of new methods.
Efforts to find new insecticides are also complicated. Current insecticides, known as pyrethroids, have been widely used since the 1970s but are now highly resistant among mosquitoes. The search for new compounds involves stringent safety and efficacy testing, making it a slow and costly process.
To compound the issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) requires two large randomized clinical trials demonstrating the positive impact of new interventions before recommending their use. This policy aims to ensure that countries with limited resources make informed decisions and that interventions are based on solid evidence. However, the diverse and evolving nature of mosquito-borne diseases means that specific solutions are needed for different situations.
Despite these challenges, scientists like Dr. Eric Ochomo in Kenya are conducting critical research. Dr. Ochomo is leading clinical trials of new mosquito interventions, including spatial repellents that confuse and deter mosquitoes. While promising results have emerged, the journey to widespread adoption remains lengthy, involving convincing the WHO and governments to endorse and fund these interventions.
In communities like Busia County, Kenya, where malaria still takes a toll on health, income, and education, the impact of these diseases is keenly felt. Families face financial burdens from the cost of treatment and lose productivity due to illness. Children miss school, and adults cannot work, leading to a cycle of economic hardship.
As researchers continue their work to find new ways to combat mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, communities affected by these diseases remain hopeful for effective solutions. The battle against mosquitoes is ongoing, with the urgent need for innovative tools and strategies to protect vulnerable populations from these relentless insects and the diseases they carry.
News Reference
New York Times, “Mosquitoes Are a Growing Public Health Threat, Reversing Years of Progres” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/29/health/mosquitoes-malaria-disease-climate-change.html
