Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released in Burkina Faso as part of an anti-malaria campaign.
Some Critics have raised concerns but scientists involved in the release, say the move represents a very important milestone in that country.
It is the first of its kind in Africa, and is not intended to reduce the incidence of malaria but to collect data to inform research.
Burkina Faso’s Research Institute of Health Sciences released male genetically modified mosquitoes in the south-western town of Bana.
It is part of a project funded by Target Malaria a research consortium led by Imperial College in London.
While the release was approved by the country’s biosafety agency, critics have raised concerns about the risks involved and questioned the validity of the project saying it is not expected to deliver any benefits for malaria control.
The Research Institute says the mosquito release conforms to all ethical and regulatory requirements and that it was approved by the community during consultations.
Malaria killed more than four thousand people in Burkina Faso last year and affected more than twelve thousand.
