World Mosquito Day 2023: Joining Forces in the Global Fight Against Malaria

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CDC works hard to raise awareness of the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases. We also remain committed in the fight against the world’s deadliest creature—domestically and internationally. Though tremendous strides have been made to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases around the world, much work remains. Cross-U.S. Government collaboration is critical in combating regional and global public health threats and increasing public health impact.

CDC has joined forces with experts across the United States government to address the latest threat in the global fight against malaria—Anopheles stephensi. Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito that can spread malaria, thrive in both urban and rural settings, and is resistant to most insecticides commonly used in malaria control. If this invasive species continues to expand throughout Africa, an additional 126 million people could be at risk of malaria.

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The Anopheles stephensi mosquito is becoming an invasive species in Africa, posing a serious threat to malaria control.

Experts across sectors and countries convened in Accra, Ghana for the Africa Malaria Task Force Entomology Symposium: Facing the new threat of Anopheles stephensi.

Experts across sectors and countries convened in Accra, Ghana for the Africa Malaria Task Force Entomology Symposium: Facing the new threat of Anopheles stephensi.

In July 2023, CDC and U.S. Navy experts traveled to Accra, Ghana to convene with key partners during the Department of Defense U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) Africa Malaria Task Force Entomology Symposium. The event brought together more than 50 military and health sector representatives from the United States and 16 African nations. Attendees  shared lessons learned, discussed guidance on effective mosquito control, and collaborated on building capacity for An. stephensi surveillance and control in at-risk countries.

”The hope of this event is to provide timely information that will assist in self-sustaining public health efforts as well as develop a network to face the new threat of An. stephensi in Africa together.” – LCDR Joseph Diclaro, Navy Entomologist, seconded to CDC’s Entomology Branch in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria.

Established in 2011, the Africa Malaria Task Force (AMTF) is an AFRICOM entity that works to coordinate African partner nations in strengthening surveillance, control, and detection capabilities for malaria. Through AMTF’s on-going efforts, like the recent symposium, inter-agency partnerships between national defense and health sectors are stronger than ever. In 2021, the Ghana Armed Forces Entomology Center of Excellence (GECE) was created to supplement AMTF work and provide a regional resource across West Africa to guide the deployment of military strategies to prevent and treat malaria. GECE works in collaboration with AMTF and the U.S. Government to leverage expertise and resources to tackle the threat of malaria across Africa.

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Participants in the Africa Malaria Task Force Entomology Symposium received hands-on training to identify Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes during the event in Accra, Ghana.

Preventing the spread of malaria around the world requires collaboration and support across agencies and nations. CDC is pleased to partner with the U.S. Navy and the Africa Malaria Task Force to address critical threats including invasive An. stephensi.

This World Mosquito Day, join CDC in the fight against mosquitoes by sharing the following resources: