The Anopheles mosquito and malaria
Institute discovers new ‘very difficult to eradicate’ malaria vector in northern Nigeria
Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) says it has discovered a new malaria vector called ‘anopheles stephensi’ in northern Nigeria.
The malaria parasites are transmitted to human hosts by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, as its previously known vector.
There are, however, diverse groups of Anopheles (up to 30 to 40 species) which also serve as vectors of human disease.
Director General, NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako, who disclosed this in Lagos during a social event organised by members of staff, said that it was the most recent research discovery, adding further that it was a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate and had not been found anywhere near West Africa.
According to the NIMR boss, this was a discovery by the institute’s researchers and that had implication to malaria control in Nigeria.
Salako who did not, however, disclose the state in northern Nigeria where the malaria vector was discovered, said that NIMR currently was looking at vaccines.
“We have done a lot of studies on vaccines and we are looking at vaccines development.
“We are working with five groups in a consortium to develop world local vaccines in Nigeria which was different from production,” he said.
Salako said the idea was to ensure that Nigerian researchers were able to take it from the beginning to the end in the development of vaccines.
“If tomorrow, we had a new epidemic or disease, known or unknown, it would be possible for Nigeria to develop its own vaccine.”
He said that NIMR was also looking at the effectiveness, side effects and responsiveness of human body to COVID-19 vaccines.
He said the institute was looking at three COVID vaccines and 2,000 people in Nigeria would be tested to know whether the vaccines actually evoked a response among Nigerians.
Earlier, Samuel Amao, a Senior Researcher, said that the discovery was unprecedented, adding that the institute was dealing with somebody that was a game changer, so competent that you don’t need to voice it.
He described Salako s a leader ‘that did not just tell you how to do it but showed you how to do it,’ adding further that NIMR was a place where aspiring researchers were supposed to be.
