Background:Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research multi-national consortium in Africa and the United Kingdom that aims to develop and share technology for malaria control. In Uganda, the consortium partner is Uganda Virus research institute (UVRI) as an implementation partner and Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST) as a funding partner. Target malaria is involved in the testing of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes as an intervention to eliminate malaria in local communities in Africa. Through UVRI, the group conducted an initial phase of the trial including collecting of mosquito species in three (3) villages in Mukono district but met resistance from one of the villages. On consulting the district leadership to seek community entry, the leadership requested for more consultations because of the controversy around GM mosquitoes,especially as alleged to have happened in other African countries such as in Burkina Faso. Rapid Response Question:What are the potential impacts of genetically modified mosquitoes in control and prevent the spread of malaria, on individuals, community and ecology and the ethical considerations?Findings:GM mosquitoes, like other GM organisms (GMOs) has generated a lot of controversies especially related to the ethical application of such technology in humans and communities. However, there is very limited information on the research evidence of the possible side effects of GM Mosquitoes both on the community and the individuals. Current information is majorly based on theories, rather than research evidence. ï· Ethical considerations related to the release and application of GM mosquitoes in communities include: o Possibility of the modified mosquitoes to cross geographical boundaries into other communities that are not under the trial, o Protection of humans in case of any untoward event through an existing law (Genetic Engineering Regulatory Act, 2019), o Complete elimination of a complete species on earth might have unintended consequencesfor some relating this to playing âGod.âo Seeking informed consent from the community (ensuring that the community understands the information and possible adverse effects of the intervention).Conclusion:There are few studies that have used GM Mosquitoes in the field and, therefore, very little is actually known about the effects/ impacts of the use of GM Mosquitoes in the control of the spread of malaria. Most of the field studies have been rejected or stopped due to local hostility from the host and global communities of anti- GM organisms making it untenable to assess for any impacts these technologiesmight have. There is therefore need to seek national as well local authority and community approval before any field trial is conducted. A comprehensive community engagement plan needs to be outlined and discussed with the stakeholders at the different phases of the study. The interest of the community needs to be considered in the planning and implementation of such an intervention during all the stages.
