AI-enhanced Mosquito Surveillance to Combat Malaria in Africa
University of South Florida researchers are using artificial intelligence to revolutionize mosquito surveillance in the fight against malaria in Africa. With a $3.6 million grant, the team aims to establish an International Center for Excellence for Malaria Research in west-central Africa, focusing on strategies for eradication and elimination. The project will also benefit the United States, particularly Florida, by monitoring mosquito-borne illnesses. Carney and Chellappan will lead the image-driven mosquito surveillance using mosquitodashboard.org, a global platform they created in 2022.
Djibouti Releases Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria
Djibouti launches groundbreaking initiative in the fight against malaria by releasing genetically engineered mosquitoes to combat the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito. The Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Programme, a collaborative effort, aims to reduce urban malaria cases. Uganda also plans to implement a similar strategy targeting Anopheles funestus. Genetically modified mosquitoes were previously released in Burkina Faso in 2019 to prevent offspring production.