KEMRI Scientists In Landmark Genetic Adaptations of Malaria Transmitting Mosquito Study

KEMRI working with international partners led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, has played a central role in groundbreaking research uncovering how Anopheles funestus (An. funestus), one of Africa’s most prolific but often neglected malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, is evolving in response to malaria control efforts.

The findings published in Science on 18th September 2025, reveal an unknown genetic adaptation of this malaria transmitting mosquito across the continent.

KEMRI scientists, in collaboration with counterparts across 16 African countries, contributed to the collection and sequencing of hundreds of An. funestus specimens from different regions of the continent. By analysing both modern samples between 2014 and 2018 and historic collections dating back to 1927, the team has provided unprecedented insights into the species’ genetic variation, population structure, and resistance to control methods such as insecticides.

“Understanding the genetic make-up of An. funestus is critical to optimizing the deployment of malaria control strategies,” said KEMRI’s Dr. Eric Ochomo who was the lead scientist of the Kenyan arm of the study.

“KEMRI is proud to be at the forefront of this effort, generating knowledge that directly supports Kenya’s and Africa’s fight against malaria,” he added.

“The study revealed that An. funestus populations in equatorial Africa are highly interconnected genetically, stretching across vast regions, while others, such as in Ghana and Benin, remain distinct. Such patterns have major implications for how malaria interventions are designed and deployed, for example, this difference in the genetic makeup enables us to understand why an intervention may be effective in one part of the continent but ineffective in another despite each of them having Anopheles funestus. Importantly, the research found that insecticide resistance mutations already present in the 1960s have intensified over time, underscoring the species’ extraordinary adaptability to new mosquito control tools”, intimated Dr. Ochomo.

 In addition, the discovery that a genetic target for gene drives in An. gambiae also exists in An. funestus opens promising new opportunities for applying cutting-edge biological tools against this deadly vector.

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Africa, with the World Health Organization reporting over 569,000 malaria-related deaths in the African region in 2023 alone. With An. funestus transmitting malaria more efficiently than most other mosquito species due to its long lifespan and preference for human blood, this new knowledge is set to inform more effective strategies for malaria elimination.

The genetic data generated through this study are now publicly accessible via the MalariaGEN Vector Observatory, supporting global research efforts.

“This is a prime example of how international collaboration anchored in strong African science can yield discoveries with the power to save lives,” added KEMRI Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok. “KEMRI remains committed to advancing research and partnerships that deliver practical solutions for malaria elimination in Kenya, Africa, and beyond”.