Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika, pose a major threat to global public health. Each year, they cause more than 700,000 deaths, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. More than 80% of the world’s population is exposed to these diseases.
Faced with these challenges, innovative solutions are needed. Modern infrastructure that meets international standards and can support advanced, highly technical research – such as the development of new genetic tools for vector control – is essential to drive progress in the fight against these diseases.
The need for advanced infrastructure in Africa
Up until now, much of the research in this field has been conducted outside the African continent, limiting the adaptation of innovative strategies to local specificities and slowing the implementation of effective solutions adapted to African contexts. Therefore, the creation of an African laboratory that meets international standards is a crucial step in strengthening local capacities and contributing to the fight against vector-borne diseases.
The African Center for Excellence in Molecular Engineering: A Cutting-Edge Research Hub
Our laboratory at the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies (USTTB) in Bamako meets Arthropod Containment Level 2 (ACL2) standards, a demanding certification that guarantees our compliance with international standards for work in containment with genetically modified organisms.
After receiving approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, we imported a strain of non genetically modified mosquitoes called G3. Our team is currently working to modify this strain by introducing fluorescent markers in its genome. Prior to this modification work, the laboratory team reared the G3 strain. The entire modification process, including plasmid preparation and mosquito injection, is carried out in our laboratory.
Our laboratory infrastructure is specifically designed to ensure both safety and the secure confinement of mosquitoes. The facility is also equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and tools.
Impact and perspectives
Our objective is for the work currently underway in our laboratory – supported by the sophisticated infrastructure and equipment – to enable the safe testing of innovative strategies and to help African scientists lead the fight against vector-borne diseases. By providing a platform for training and capacity-building of local researchers, we aim to pave the way for the development of innovative tools adapted to African realities.
