{
  "id": 19128602,
  "title": "GNRF convenes researchers to assess Gene Drive Technology for malaria elimination in Ghana",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/gnrf-convenes-researchers-to-assess-gene-drive-technology-for-malaria-19128602",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T08:47:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/gnrf-convenes-researchers-to-assess-gene-drive-technology-for-malaria-elimination-in-ghana/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), in partnership with the GATES Foundation, convened a two-day workshop to evaluate cutting-edge technologies that could help eradicate malaria in Ghana. The workshop focused on gene drive technology, a method that involves genetically modifying Anopheles mosquitoes to ensure the change spreads rapidly through wild populations, thereby inhibiting their ability to transmit the malaria parasite. This approach was deemed crucial due to persistent challenges such as insecticide resistance, outdoor-biting mosquitoes, and residual transmission in certain regions. The goal of the endeavor is to foster collaborative planning among researchers, public health officials, and partner institutions concerning the scientific, regulatory, ethical, and community engagement aspects of potential future implementation of this technology in Ghana. Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah, the Administrator of GNRF, emphasized that significant financial resources are currently allocated to importing malaria medications. Should the research and development of this new technology prove successful, it could substantially reduce the nation's reliance on such imports and, consequently, diminish the financial burden associated with malaria treatment. Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, highlighted that malaria goes beyond mere health implications, as it significantly disrupts education and imposes considerable financial burdens on households. Despite Ghana's commendable progress in combating the disease, over 5.3 million cases were documented in the previous year alone. Dr. Apaak underscored that if Ghana is genuinely committed to eradicating malaria, it must embrace innovative scientific methods. The GNRF's involvement in this initiative aligns with its mandate to prioritize research addressing national health concerns and translating findings into actionable solutions. Support for this initiative is also being provided by UNESCO, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and other collaborating entities.",
  "summary": "BY : DOREEN AMPOFO The Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) in collaboration with the GATES Foundation has convened a two-day workshop bringing together Ghanaian researchers to evaluate modern technologies that could help eliminate malaria in the country. A key highlight of the discussions was research on gene drive technology, which involves genetically modifying Anopheles mosquitoes […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}