KEY POINTS
- Burkina Faso halts Gates-backed Target Malaria project.
- Genetically modified mosquito trials face local backlash.
- Suspension comes amid wider crackdown on NGOs.
Burkina Faso’s military rulers have ordered the suspension of Target Malaria, a high-profile anti-malaria program backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, dealing a blow to one of Africa’s most ambitious health experiments.
Authorities issued a communiqué confirming that the project must halt “all activities,” making it the latest international initiative caught in a broader crackdown that has already seen licenses of more than 20 NGOs revoked in recent months.
Genetically modified mosquitoes spark controversy
Target Malaria, a consortium of more than 150 African and Western scientists, has been working to reduce malaria transmission using genetically modified mosquitoes. Burkina Faso became the first country to permit a release of such mosquitoes in 2019, with another trial carried out earlier this month.
Supporters argue the project could help cut malaria’s devastating toll, which claims more than 500,000 African lives annually. Critics, including local civil society coalitions, warn that the technology carries greater ecological risks than benefits and accuse its backers of introducing it without sufficient public dialogue.
“This technology is highly controversial and raises serious ethical questions. We believe safer alternatives should be prioritized,” said Ali Tapsoba, an activist opposed to the project.
Gates-backed malaria project vows cooperation
In a statement, Target Malaria said it had complied with Burkina Faso’s laws since 2012 and pledged to “remain ready to cooperate” with the authorities.
According to Bilionaires Africa, the suspension underlines growing skepticism toward Western-backed initiatives in Burkina Faso, where the junta has increasingly asserted control over aid programs and foreign operations.
Gates reaffirms Africa focus
Bill Gates, whose foundation has poured billions into malaria prevention, reiterated his commitment to Africa during a June speech at the African Union headquarters. He pledged to donate most of his $200 billion fortune within the next two decades, with much of it earmarked for health and development projects across the continent.
“The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” Gates said, highlighting progress in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. He urged leaders to sustain investments in health despite political and economic headwinds.
