Pakistan’s Malaria Control Programme to train nine African countries to combat Anopheles stephensi mosquito, originating from South Asia, which poses a threat of increased malaria cases in Africa.
The mosquito, previously confined to the subcontinent, has now spread to Africa, raising concerns of exacerbating malaria cases in a continent already burdened with 92% of global cases annually.
Genome sequencing confirms the mosquito’s origin from India, prompting international efforts to address the threat.
Pakistan selected by Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network to train African countries due to its expertise in mosquito control.
Training to include policy, strategy, surveillance, and practical field visits to breeding areas in south Punjab.
Efforts aimed at curbing malaria transmission and sharing expertise to combat the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa.