Tag Archives: Samia Suluhu

AMA, Business, Health

Common questions about gene drive, answered

MaraviPost

Kampala, Uganda, 30 March 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – Across Africa, scientists are exploring new tools to reduce malaria, a disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
At this year’s 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, African Heads of State and Governments issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing, warning that progress is at risk.

The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report shows that Member States accounted for 270 million malaria cases in 2024 – 96% of the global total. It cautions that without urgent and sustained investment, the continent could lose decades of hard-won gains.

The consequences of inaction have serious costs. The report indicated that a projected 30% reduction in funding could result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, and nearly 400,000 more deaths – three-quarters of them children under five. Economically, this would translate into an estimated USD 37 billion loss in GDP by 2030.

In response to these challenges, African researchers are studying complementary and innovative approaches to strengthen malaria control.

H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, highlighted the country’s investments in research and innovation, “Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies. One of them is gene drive, an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”

While gene drive technology has generated significant interest, it has also raised important questions. Target Malaria’s Dr Jonathan Kayondo addresses the most common questions, and what it could mean for malaria prevention in Africa.

What is gene drive?
Gene drive is a naturally occurring biological process that is being harnessed into the technology. In living organisms, gene drive increases the chance of inheritance of certain genes or traits. Gene drive is being researched to be a complementary tool to fight malaria in Africa, working alongside bed nets, insecticides, drugs and vaccines. By biasing the rate of inheritance of certain genes from one generation to another, gene drive can spread a modification to be passed on to all the mosquito population.

There are two gene drive strategies currently under investigation among various research teams in the world: either to reduce the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, or to stop the parasite from infecting the mosquitoes. At Target Malaria, we focus on the first approach. It is important to note that we do not target all mosquito species, but only the four Anopheles mosquitoes species are the main vectors of malaria in Africa3.

Target Malaria is one of the research projects developing gene drive mosquitoes. Part of a consortium of research institutions in Africa, Europe and North America, Target Malaria researchers and scientists are working to reduce the population of malaria mosquitoes, because fewer mosquitoes carrying malaria would mean stopping the transmission of the disease.

Is gene drive the same as genetically modified crops?
No. While both involve genetics, gene drive research in malaria is focused on mosquito populations, not crops, not humans, and not livestock.

Are there gene drive mosquitoes in Africa at the moment?
Gene drive mosquitoes are being researched in controlled laboratory settings in Europe and the United States. There are currently no gene drive mosquitoes in contained laboratory in Africa. Gene drive mosquitoes have so far never been released in the wild.

An Anopheles mosquito in the lab
Photo credit: Target Malaria

Will gene drive eliminate all mosquitoes?
No. There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and only three to four Anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for the most of malaria transmission in Africa. Gene drive research targets specific malaria-carrying species: An. coluzzii, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. funestus. The goal is not to eliminate all mosquitoes, but to reduce the population of those species enough to stop the transmission of the disease.

Is gene drive technology safe?
At Target Malaria, safety is our priority. We perform studies in our laboratories and insectaries to ensure our technology is safe and effective.

Gene drive research follows international and national regulations, ethical review processes, and international guidance. Before any future use, extensive testing, risk assessment, submissions of regulatory dossiers and community engagement would be required.

All phases of our work and anywhere in the world complies with the biosafety laws of the countries where we conduct our research.

No release can take place without regulatory approval. At present, all gene drive research takes place in controlled conditions in the lab. We hope to conduct gene drive field trials by 2030 in a malaria-endemic African country.

Why research gene drive at all, and why Africa
Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially in Africa. It is the main cause of deaths for children under five and a huge economic burden on the countries where it is endemic (estimated at 16b$ a year1).

Despite tools such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, vaccines, and medicines, malaria cases remain high. Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and drug resistance in parasites are increasing concerns because they are rendering the current tools ineffective.

A new study published in the journal Nature projects that climate change could cause an additional 500,000 deaths and 123 million clinical cases of malaria in Africa over the next 25 years (by 2050), even if current global climate pledges (SSP2-4.5) are met2.

Researchers are exploring gene drive as a potential complementary tool, not a replacement, to strengthen existing malaria control efforts.

Target Malaria’s approach combines long-term, self-sustaining impact with precise targeting of malaria-transmitting mosquito species, offering a complementary tool that is not reliant on insecticides and is developed through a strong framework of regulation, transparency and community engagement in the countries most affected by the disease.

Why answering questions matters
Science communication is not separate from public health, it is part of it. Clear, accessible information helps communities, policymakers, and journalists make informed decisions.
When people understand how research works, how safety is assessed, and who is involved, public dialogue becomes stronger and more constructive.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Target Malaria

Notes to editors:

1 https://www.malarianomore.org/story/new-analysis-malaria-elimination-to-boost-african-economies-by-16-billion-average-annually

2 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-10015-z 

3 Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis and An. funestus.

About Target Malaria:

Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org

Target Malaria receives core funding by the Gates Foundation and Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy). The lead grantee organisation is Imperial College London with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.

Follow Target Malaria on Facebook, X , LinkedIn and YouTube.

Follow Target Malaria Uganda on Facebook

The post Common questions about gene drive, answered appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Health

African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens

MaraviPost

The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report reveals 270.8 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths. It warns of potential resurgence, as Heads of State and Government urge increased domestic resource mobilisation, call on partners to honour their commitments, and demand a renewed World Bank Malaria Booster Programme.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 16 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Against a backdrop of stalled progress, declining international funding, and intensifying threats, African Heads of State and Government today issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia. The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025, presented by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), warns that without urgent action, the continent risks losing decades of hard-won gains against the disease.

Urgent action required as perfect storm intensifies
The 2025 report reveals that African Union Member States accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96% of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97% of the global total) in 2024. Progress has stalled since 2015, and only five Member States have achieved the 2025 Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75%. These targets are part of the AU Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.

The report warns that a 30% reduction in funding will result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, 397,000 additional deaths (75% among children under five), and a loss of $37 billion in GDP by 2030. Without urgent action, the report warns that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million per year and deaths surpassing one million annually.

“The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined by 70% in just four years, and the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund fell significantly short of its $18 billion target. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented 1.64 billion cases and saved 12.4 million lives since 2000.”
~ President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Republic of Botswana, Chair of ALMA

A new era of financing as Africa takes the lead
In response to the funding crisis, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, innovative financing and the development of national health financing sustainability plans. The report highlights that End Malaria Councils and Funds in 12 countries have now mobilised over $200 million through public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of multisectoral collaboration. Establishing public-private partnerships is essential for delivering sustainable financing. These partnerships can unlock new investments, propelling progress not only toward malaria elimination but also toward universal health coverage. A whole-of-society approach, engaging the private sector, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and the diaspora through a public private health accelerator, will reinforce domestic commitments and deliver a win-win partnership.

Countries across the continent are stepping up with increased domestic financing commitments for malaria in 2025. Leaders called on global partners to honour their commitments, renew the World Bank’s Malaria Booster Programme, and align support with national strategies. The original World Bank Malaria Booster Programme (2005-2010) committed over $1 billion with transformative results. Today, African leaders are urging a renewed programme to close funding gaps, deploy next-generation tools, strengthen community health worker programmes, and build climate-resilient health systems. Investing in malaria in this way will also strengthen primary health care, making our health systems more resilient to shock and put us on a path to defeating other health challenges such as neglected tropical diseases.

“Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research and is home to the Ifakara Health Institute, where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies, including gene drive–an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”
~ H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

New, powerful next-generation tools gaining ground
Despite the challenges, the report highlights significant progress in deploying innovative tools. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed across Africa were next-generation dual active-ingredient nets, up from just 20% in 2023. These nets are 45% more effective than pyrethroid-only nets against resistant mosquitoes.

Twenty-four countries have now introduced WHO-approved malaria vaccines for children under five, with 28.3 million doses distributed in 2025, up from 10.5 million in 2024. Additionally, WHO prequalified two spatial repellent products in 2025, marking the first new vector control intervention introduced in decades. A record 22 countries planned to implement seasonal malaria chemoprevention in 2025. The malaria innovation pipeline remains stronger than ever.

Promoting health sovereignty through local manufacturing
Leaders emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability, access, and supply chain resilience. Currently, Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 95% of medicines. The report highlights that Nigeria has entered into partnerships for local production of antimalarial treatments and rapid diagnostic tests, and is working to establish the first Africa-manufactured next-generation nets.

The African Medicines Agency, with 31 countries now ratified, and Regional Economic Communities are harmonising regulatory frameworks to accelerate the registration of new commodities across the continent.

“Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with full funding, could save over 13.2 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by over $140 billion. Every dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers $19 in returns. We have the tools. We need the resources.”
~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria

What must be done
The Heads of State and Government issued a clear call to action, urging all Member States to treat malaria as a central pillar of health sovereignty and economic transformation, protect and increase domestic and external funding, and fully implement the priorities of the Catalytic Framework through a Big Push Against Malaria.

Leaders called on international partners to fulfil commitments, align support with national strategies, and invest in the tools and systems that will secure a malaria-free future. They emphasised that the path ahead is challenging. Nevertheless, with determined leadership, the smart use of data, and sustained investment, Africa can bend the curve towards elimination and ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of malaria.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Union

Notes to Editors: The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025 is available for download at:  www.au.int and  www.alma2030.org

About the Africa Malaria Progress Report:
The Africa Malaria Progress Report is an annual publication prepared by the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance and RBM Partnership to End Malaria. It tracks progress against the AU Catalytic Framework targets, highlights challenges and threats to malaria elimination, and documents Member State actions to accelerate progress. The report is presented annually to Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit.

About ALMA:
Founded in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a ground-breaking coalition of African Heads of State and Government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030. www.alma2030.org

Media Inquiries:

The post African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens appeared first on African Media Agency.

Politics, Regional

Tanzania in political tension as Samia Suluhu weighs possible deal with Tundu Lissu

Burnett Munthali

….Presidential ambitions and opposition negotiations raise stakes in the East African nation

Developing reports indicate that people close to President Samia Suluhu suggest she is considering a handshake deal with jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The potential agreement is reportedly aimed at helping to salvage the political situation in Tanzania, which has been tense following the recent disputed election.

Insiders say that the tricky part of any deal is that President Suluhu wants to be officially announced as president before any negotiations with Lissu are made public.

Her advisers, however, are warning that making such a declaration first could further inflame an already volatile political climate.

Tensions remain high across the country, with opposition supporters and civil society groups expressing concern over fairness and transparency in governance.

Observers note that the outcome of any deal between President Suluhu and Lissu could have far-reaching implications for national stability and political reconciliation in Tanzania.

As the situation develops, political analysts are closely monitoring how the timing and announcement of leadership decisions may impact public sentiment and international relations.

Politics, SADC

Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Faces Little Opposition Amid Crackdown on Rivals

Burnett Munthali

President runs virtually unopposed as opposition candidates are disqualified or jailed, raising concerns about democracy and political freedoms.

By Burnett Munthali

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu is running virtually unopposed in today’s election.

Major opposition candidates have been either disqualified or jailed ahead of the vote.

The absence of credible challengers has effectively cleared the path for Suluhu’s re-election.

Several critics and political activists have also been arrested in recent weeks.

These arrests have sparked widespread concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania.

Observers note that political freedoms in the country appear increasingly restricted.

The government’s actions have drawn criticism from international human rights groups.

Analysts warn that the crackdown on opposition and dissent may undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Despite these concerns, President Suluhu remains popular among her supporters.

Her administration emphasizes stability, economic growth, and continuity of policies.

The election outcome is expected to be overwhelmingly in Suluhu’s favor due to the absence of strong opposition.

This situation raises questions about the fairness and competitiveness of elections in Tanzania.

As the country heads to the polls, international and domestic observers are closely monitoring the vote.

The broader implications for democratic governance and civil liberties in Tanzania remain uncertain.

The world watches as Tanzania conducts an election that some critics describe as largely uncontested.

Public debate continues over the balance between stability and democratic pluralism in the East African nation.

Lifestyle

Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu to be remanded for 14 more days

Maravi Post Reporter

The embattled Tanzanian main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, will remain in remand for 14 more days pending further investigations.

The Police and the state prosecutors requested the Kisutu Magistrates Court to allow them more time to conclude their investigations.

The court granted them two more weeks until June 2, when the case will be heard again. It was the first time Lissu appeared in person for the mention as he previously attended sessions virtually.

The defence team, led by the Senior Counsel Mpale Mpoki, objected to the application, citing infringement of Lissu’s fundamental rights. They made several other applications with one questioning why the prosecuting teams were not able to move on with the case despite all evidence being available and accessible to everyone.

Lissu’s team also claimed that their client was being placed under unnecessary heavy police supervision and that he was just an accused and not a threat to anyone in court.

Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9 after calling for electoral reforms before a general election in October and was charged with treason, a charge for which bail isn’t available.

Lissu’s party, Chadema, has been outspoken about electoral reforms, arrests and detentions of opposition politicians before the vote in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking election after serving out her predecessor’s term in office.

Human rights activists have accused the government of Hassan of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims.

In 2017, three years before the last election, Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times. His party has been critical of laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961.

Source: Africanews

Lifestyle

Kenya’s former justice minister deported from Tanzania

Maravi Post Reporter

Martha Karua, a lawyer and presidential candidate in Kenya, says she was expelled from Tanzania, where she had been due to attend the trial of a prominent opposition figure facing treason charges.

Karaua has dubbed the move a sign that the Tanzanian authorities would not give a fair trial to Chadema party leader Tindu Lissu.

Lissu, who Karua says is the main challenger to Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassa, could be facing the death penalty for his alleged crimes.

Lissu’s Chadema party has been disqualified from presidential and legislative elections due in October, after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct. 

Karua says Tanzania is seeing a “total erosion of democratic principles.”

The former justice minister has been vocal about “democratic backsliding” in East Africa.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/15/25/88/05/ED_PYR_1525885_20250519051258.mp4
Obituaries

List of prominent COVID-19 deniers who have died – John Magufuli

MaraviPost 2 Comments

John Magufuli

John Magufuli’s death has been officially attributed to heart failure

Tanzania’s president, John Magufuli, one of Africa’s most prominent Covid-19 deniers, died after a two-week absence from public life that prompted speculation that he had contracted COVID-19.

Magufuli’s death was announced by the country’s vice-president, Samia Suluhu, who said the president died of heart failure. He was 61.

“The president of the United Republic of Tanzania, the honourable Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli … [has] died of a heart condition, at hospital Mzena in Dar es Salaam, where he was receiving treatment,” she said on state broadcaster TBC.

Magufuli, a divisive figure who won a second term in October in an election marred by violence and allegations of fraud, had not been seen in public since 27 February, leading many to believe that he was sick and possibly incapacitated. He had a history of heart problems and wore a pacemaker.

Government officials had insisted Magufuli was working normally and that citizens should ignore “hateful” rumours coming from abroad. Police arrested four people since last week on charges of spreading false information about the health of political leaders.

The country’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, said that Magafuli was critically ill in a hospital in India after contracting Covid-19, while media in neighbouring Kenya reported that an unnamed African leader was being treated for Covid-19 on a ventilator in a hospital there.

Aides of Magufuli had been reported to have contracted Covid-19, with fatalities reported among senior officials in Tanzania. One minister coughed and gasped for air throughout a press conference given to prove his good health.