Scientists have already started creating genetically modified mosquitoes that are either infertile or resistant to the malaria parasite using CRISPR, a powerful and controversial gene-editing tool. Recently though, Bill Gates spoke up, endorsing the use of CRISPR , to create malaria-resistant mosquitoes.
“Gene drives, I do think, over the next three to five years will be developed in a form that will be extremely beneficial,” Gates said in the interview, ahead of speaking at the American Society for Microbiology conference in Boston. “Of course, that makes it a key tool to reduce malaria deaths.”
Malaria affects more than 200 million people each year and kills nearly 500,000, most of whom are children, according to the World Health Organization.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a staunch supporter in the fight against malaria, even giving out a $150 million grant in 2014 to develop vaccines.
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