Identifying the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles arabiensis in Chikwawa, Malawi

Insecticides are commonly used to control the spread of malaria by Anopheles mosquitoes. However, in Malawi the malaria mosquitoes have developed changes that make them resistant to the insecticides used by the National Malaria Control Programme.

This study will investigate the genetic make-up of two common malaria vectors – Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis – in Chikwawa, Malawi to understand the causes of insecticide resistance. This is necessary for planning and adapting the malaria vector control measures that can be used in Malawi and will also contribute to the guidelines for insecticide use in malaria vector control.

By understanding the genetic changes in the malaria vector we will be able to develop strategies to limit their spread and thereby prolong the active life of malaria control tools.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Master's Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.