DSGN marks mosquito day 2026 with progress on innovative malaria research initiative
As the world marks Mosquito Day 2026 on 20 August, Diaspora Solution Group Nigeria (DSGN) reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovative and evidence-based approaches to reducing the burden of malaria caused by Anopheles mosquitoes in Nigeria and across Africa.
Following the National Conference on Malaria Elimination held in Osogbo, Osun State, in December 2025, DSGN began a sustained process of stakeholder engagement aimed at translating the discussions around innovative mosquito control into a structured research initiative.
Since the conference, DSGN has engaged relevant national and state-level agencies, public-health institutions, development partners, researchers, universities and scientific professionals, including stakeholders connected with malaria control, public health and biosafety management Agency.
A major focus has been ensuring that the proposed research is developed within appropriate ethical, scientific, institutional and biosafety standards. DSGN recognizes that research involving CRISPR-Cas9 and genetically modified mosquito technologies requires careful oversight, responsible containment, appropriate risk assessment, qualified personnel and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
A Major Milestone at the University of Ilorin
After an extensive and lengthy process of consultation, review and negotiation, DSGN and the University of Ilorin reached agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the framework for collaboration, with the University serving as the pilot-study location.
The long process was necessary to ensure that institutional responsibilities, research governance and other important requirements were properly addressed.
DSGN has now entered the next phase of the initiative with preparations for the establishment of a Malaria Control Laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, where the proposed controlled laboratory research will be undertaken subject to all applicable approvals and requirements.
The scientific team at the University of Ilorin is headed by Professor Faoziat Adenike Sulaiman, while Mr. Gbenga Ajayeoba serves as DSGN’s Principal Investigator for the project.
The initiative is focused on investigating the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology as an innovative malaria-vector control strategy, particularly approaches aimed at affecting the reproductive capacity of malaria-vector Anopheles mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions.
DSGN emphasizes that the project is intended to complement—not immediately replace—existing malaria-control interventions, and that any future progression beyond laboratory research will depend on scientific evidence, appropriate regulatory review and authorization.
DSGN Calls for Global Partnership and Support
As the project moves into this important phase, DSGN is using this year’s Mosquito Day observance to announce that the organization is open to sponsorship, donations, grants, technical assistance, scientific collaboration and institutional partnerships from individuals and organizations in Nigeria and around the world.
Support will help strengthen laboratory infrastructure, scientific capacity, research activities, training, biosafety systems and other essential components of the initiative and largely to support roll-out of the project in the next phase.
DSGN believes that tackling malaria requires innovation, collaboration and sustained investment in African-led research. We invite philanthropists, foundations, government agencies, development organizations, universities, research institutions, private-sector organizations and individuals to join us in supporting this vision.
Together, we can strengthen Nigeria’s scientific capacity and contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of malaria in Africa.