Health
Oxitec, UVRI join forces to fight malaria in Uganda
Oxitec is set to collaborate with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) to combat malaria in the country. As a leading biotechnology company specializing in the development of safe and sustainable biological vector control solutions, Oxitec aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts against malaria.
The partnership was announced today during a meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Grey Frandsen, the Chief Executive Officer of Oxitec, held in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District. President Museveni expressed a warm welcome to Oxitec in Uganda and endorsed their initiative to collaborate with UVRI in the fight against malaria. He assured full support to the institution in their endeavor to find a solution for this life-threatening disease.
During the meeting, Mr. Grey revealed that the Anopheles funestus serves as a major malaria vector in Sub-Saharan Africa. He noted the absence of a static solution for this vector, which is crucial in the year-round cyclic transmission of malaria, necessitating immediate attention.
Moreover, Mr. Grey informed President Museveni that Oxitec aims to establish a unique public-private partnership with the Government of Uganda, marking a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in Africa.
The meeting was also attended by key figures including the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Director of UVRI, and Dr. Joseph Okware, the Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, among others. The collaborative efforts of Oxitec, UVRI, and the Ugandan government signify a concerted and innovative approach to address the persistent challenges posed by malaria in the region.