Last Updated: 14/08/2025

Evolution of insecticide resistance in vectors sustaining residual malaria transmission in Kenya

Objectives

To effectively manage insecticide resistance (IR) and maximize effectiveness of the current and future control interventions, this comprehensive study aims to:

characterize IR genotypes of these vectors;
to determine how population structures influences changes in vector behavior, rates of gene flow and frequency of IR genes;
determine the association of sporozoite rates, environmental and socio-economic factors with IR frequency; and
determine how evolution of variabilities in IR gene loci over time leads to increased IR frequency in Kenya.

Principal Institution

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Harun Njoroge Ng’ang’a

Rationale and Abstract

Vector control using Insecticide treated materials (ITM) has been the primary intervention of choice to curb the spread of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Widespread use of these interventions has led to decline of malaria transmission, morbidity and mortality thus prompting World health organization and other players to consider shifting their focus from controlling to elimination phase. However, the major challenge to Kenya and other countries aiming to eliminate malaria is residual transmission, sustained by increased changes in vector population composition, behavioral changes in secondary vectors of malaria and the rising level of insecticide resistance (IR).

Themes

Financing & Economics
Genetics and Genomics
Insecticide Resistance
Residual Transmission
Vector Control

Date

Aug 2016 — Jan 2019

Total Project Funding

$161,724

Funding Details

Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom

Grant ID: 200037/Z/15/Z

GBP 122,899

Country / Project Site(s)

Kenya