Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis genetic diversity and association with insecticide resistance in Kenya

Malaria remains an important public health concern in Kenya. Vector control employing mainly insecticide use is a key component of the malaria control strategy but the continued efficacy of this approach is threatened by widespread development of insecticide resistance. Additionally, ecological and adaptive changes in mosquito populations, such as changes in vector species composition and behaviour may reverse the gains witnessed in malaria control in the country. An improved understanding of the molecular, ecological and evolutionary processes driving these changes is critical if malaria vector control interventions are to be effective and appropriate for particular settings.

The goal of this project is to generate high-quality genomic data that will allow decision-making for effective vector control. We will work with the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and through training, seminars and participation in strategic committees of the NMCP to help improve understanding and utilization of genetic data for vector control. 

Malaria vectors sampled from the five malaria epidemiological zones of the country and characterised by insecticide resistance status, and those from across different historical time-points will be analysed by Whole Genome Sequencing to provide information on levels of gene flow, genetic diversity and population genetic size changes and potentially identify markers for insecticide resistance monitoring. These specimens will also represent genetic samples currently missing from the larger effort to describe the range of genetic variation and the rate of gene flow in malaria vectors in Africa that is being conducted as the Anopheles 1000 Genomes Project.

Gates Foundation project detailsMalariaGEN project details

Capacity Strengthening
Genetics and Genomics
Information Systems
Insecticide Resistance
Surveillance
Vector Control

Apr 2019 — Jun 2024

$100,000

Kenya