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New mosquito species discovered along coastal belt raises malaria control concerns
What you need to know:
- According to the researchers, the newly identified mosquito species had previously gone undetected and appears to have developed insecticide resistance through a mechanism distinct from other known vectors.
Dar es Salaam. Scientists have discovered a previously unknown mosquito species, dubbed Pwani Molecular, belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex—a group that includes some of the world’s most potent malaria vectors.
The species, identified along the Kenya-Tanzania coast, displays unique resistance mechanisms, raising new concerns about ongoing malaria control efforts.
The study was led by early-career researcher Sophia Mwinyi of the Ifakara Health Institute, under the supervision of Dr Fredros Okumu, a renowned mosquito ecologist and Professor of Vector Biology at the University of Glasgow.
The team analysed whole-genome sequences of 300 mosquitoes collected between 2012 and 2015 across four regions in northern Tanzania.
According to the researchers, the newly identified mosquito species had previously gone undetected and appears to have developed insecticide resistance through a mechanism distinct from other known vectors.
“The discovery of the Pwani Molecular form highlights significant gaps in our understanding of mosquito diversity in malaria-endemic areas,” said lead author Sophia Mwinyi.
She noted that the species’ unique resistance profile and its limited distribution along the coastal belt could help explain persistent malaria cases during dry seasons, when other mosquito populations are typically inactive.
“This suggests that current malaria control tools, including insecticide-treated nets, may not be fully effective against this newly discovered vector,” Dr Mwinyi said.
Dr Okumu emphasised the role of genetic research in staying ahead of evolving disease vectors.
“By using genetics, we can stay ahead in the fight against malaria. Understanding the DNA of mosquito populations enables scientists and public health officials to design more effective interventions to stop disease transmission,” he said.
The discovery comes at a time when malaria remains a major public health challenge in the region. Kenya’s Ministry of Health Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, stated that the country recorded approximately 5.5 million malaria cases between 2023 and 2024, with an incidence rate of 104 cases per 1,000 people.
In Tanzania, the Government continues to implement targeted interventions aimed at curbing mosquito populations and reducing malaria transmission. The Chief Research Scientist at the Amani Centre of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dr William Kisinza said current strategies include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites, particularly stagnant water bodies.
The Government also supports larvicide production at a facility in Kibaha, which specialises in killing mosquito larvae before they reach maturity.
Additionally, an entomological surveillance programme, coordinated by the National Malaria Control Programme in partnership with NIMR, KCMC and the Ifakara Health Institute, is monitoring mosquito population dynamics across 34 local government authorities.
Experts say these integrated efforts are essential to counter emerging threats like Pwani Molecular and to safeguard recent gains made in the fight against malaria.
