Genetically-modified mosquitoes for malaria control: requirements to be considered before field releases

The technical feasibility of the development of transgenic mosquitoes highly refractory to (rodent) malaria parasites has been demonstrated in the laboratory. Following this proof of principle, genetic control of vectors could have an important role to play in the interruption of transmission of human malarias, if the main developmental and implementation challenges are adequately addressed. These include the establishment of a proof of efficacy and safety for humans and the environment in carefully controlled and contained environments. Prior approval by authorized biosafety, regulatory, and ethical review bodies needs to be obtained before experimental releases. In addition, there is the need to ensure the public and the media that this process is desirable, feasible and can be accomplished safely. Moreover, an appropriate implementation and capacity building plan would increase the chances of making this approach a control method applicable for public health purposes. Analysis of current and anticipated future views of a variety of critical stakeholders enables the provision of a framework that facilitates the transition of research findings from the laboratory to the field. A coordinating mechanism to closely monitor and guide this transition process will be instrumental in furthering developments to fully evaluate the public health potential of this approach.