Evaluation of genetically modified mosquitoes for the control of vector-borne diseases

Overview

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) cause more than 700 000 deaths annually and are responsible for 17% of the global burden of communicable diseases. Significant progress was made in the control of malaria until 2015, but progress has stalled in recent years. WHO recognizes the urgent need for development and testing of new tools to combat VBDs and supports investigation of all new potential control technologies, including genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs).

In the spirit of fostering innovation, WHO takes the position that all potentially beneficial new technologies, including GMMs, should be investigated to determine whether they could be useful in the continued fight against diseases of public health concern. Such research should be conducted in steps and be supported by clear governance mechanisms to evaluate the health, environmental and ecological implications. 

This position page is available in French and in Arabic