Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation has officially terminated all activities of the Target Malaria project across the country. The decision, announced through official directives on August 18 and 22, 2025, follows growing scrutiny over the release of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in local communities.
The sealed research facilities and remaining mosquito samples are set to be destroyed according to a regulated protocol. The project had previously released non-gene drive GM male mosquitoes in Souroukoudingan, a village in the Houet Province, as part of a malaria control experiment.
Target Malaria is an international research consortium supported by various global health organizations, including funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While the initiative aimed to explore innovative malaria control methods, it has faced public concern and regulatory pushback in recent years.
Authorities assure the public that all modified mosquitoes have been properly handled by technical teams, and no further activity from the project will take place in Burkina Faso.
