Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released In Africa

Thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes were released in Burkina Faso as a step towards the world’s first field test of “gene-drive” technology
The trial, which has been funded by organizations linked to the Gates Foundation, but it has prompted concerns among local civil society organizations, who say their country is being set up as a laboratory for “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” technology before the risks are fully understood.

The Burkina Faso test is being run by Target Malaria Project which has researchers at Imperial College London and numerous partner institutions including the University of Oxford. The main funding comes from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Open Philanthropy Project (whose major donors are a co-founder of Facebook and other Silicon Valley companies)

According to Jim Thomas, the co-director of the genetic industry watchdog ETC Group, said it was shocking that the Convention on Biodiversity, which was set up to protect nature, was considering whether to allow a technique that will eliminate species. “Gates and the Silicon Valley donors think they can use technology to solve all the world’s problems because that’s how they got rich. It is deliberately framed as a benefit for medicine, but this is not really how this technology will be mostly used”.

                                                           cinchona plant "mululuza"
                                             

In 2015 there were wide spread of protest from the public in Florida against the Genetically Modified Mosquito which were going to be tested, hoping to stop diseases like dengue, Zika and chikungunya spread by mosquitoes, but there were released later in 2017 by experimental procedure.

The question is what could be the consequences after the eradication of these female mosquito called Anopheles which transmit malaria & other diseases and the long term impact on other species such as; human beings, animals, plants and in general, the whole environment? , will the world be safer than before with the modified mosquito insect zooming in the air?  Maybe this idea should have been given enough time by making further studies and investigations plus placing a referendum to ask the real target people seeking their opinion before the release.


However, basic common principle of knowing customers needs and wants should apply rather than implementing Genetically Modified Mosquitoes without honoring people’s wishes and concerns.

Most people in Africa Roperfree have interviewed using various social media platforms are skeptical about the Genetically Modified Mosquito and the research gathered indicates that many people are concerned  to have clean water, good sanitation, habitable dwellings, recognition of rights to their land, good and affordable healthcare system. In most of African countries apart from malaria being number one killer disease but many people die due to lack of good health care system compound with good hygiene standards. If the mentioned are addressed definitely the mortality and morbidity of malaria will reduce drastically without trying the unknown tested methods to fight malaria.

According to the research done by Roperfree, many people would prefer to use the existing preventative measures such as; using Roperfree mosquito repellent oils & mosquito treated bed nets which are freely distributed to the public by the Ugandan government in collaboration with donors such as; Bill Gates and Melinda Foundation, UNICEF, PMI (Presidential Malaria Initiative) and other organizations in the fight against malaria eradication, excellent work has been achieved! The battle still goes on while results could be visibly notified. For example; in Kampala, when you move out at night you can hardly get mosquito bites.


The good news is that, in Uganda we have solutions passed on for generations by our ancestors with using natural organic herbal remedies as people have been battling malaria for ages before the coming of modern medicines such as; quinine, the question also arises because quinine is delivered from herbal plant called cinchona tree, could it be the same tree which was used in Africa to get medicine to cure malaria? If so the answer then quinine was innovated by the Africans themselves and what came after during the time of industry revolution was the modified quinine.

Our ancestors used cinchona leaves “mululuza” to immunize themselves against malaria and when the fall sick of the disease the cinchona leaves boiled as tea “mululuza” was the remedy! So before the implementation of the so called Genetically Modified Mosquitoes, the existing solutions should be encouraged.




It could be a good idea if  people use their traditional safe preventative measures in combination of using bed nets, and other preventative measures such as; Roperfree Mosquito Repellents oils.


In the meantime, all in the name of fighting malaria, Roperfree has one of the best solutions to combat malaria by the simple application of Roperfree mosquito repellent oils on the body which saves lives. 


Sub-Saharan African countries still have water scarcity which causes poor hygiene and the affected people contracting diseases related to poor sanitation, such as; skin diseases, then Roperfree Aromatherapy is the existing solution per now.

As Roperfree we are so honored to provide such a viable solution to combat malaria and rheumatism, please buy Roperfree Brand Products to support the social enterprise to continue fight malaria as we envision malaria free world in the future. We have done our part and it’s time for everyone to collaborate and join hands to support our cause which has been lingering for thousands years to achieve the world of free malaria.

To commemorate the Black History Month, Roperfree is inviting partners who would like to participate in the malaria sensitization campaigns or who can sponsor Roperfree mosquito repellents to the most venerable people to contact us by email: Roperfree@jkasumba.com


Roperfree Brand Products can be purchase on major e-commerce platforms such as: Amazon, eBay and Jumia or via the following outlets in and around Kampala:


Beauty Dreams Shop No. 63 Pioneer Mall, Kampala
Spring Pharmacy – Wilson Rd, Kampala
Mega Super Market old taxi park & Garden city branch
Friecca Pharmacy- Wandegeya, 
Jumbo Arcade shop 7 C in Kikubo
People’s Plaza shop L4171 opposite Arua Park
Asian African commodities- Italian Supermarket Muyenga – Kabalagala
JohnRich Supermarket- Kabalagala
Buffalo Healthcare Pharmacy- Kabalagala
Home queen grocery store: Kabalagala
Light Shoppers Supermarket – Kajjansi
Majex Pharmacy – Kajjansi
Roper-fashions- Kampala Plaza on Kampala Road
West-Link Pharmacies at Quality Village Mall; Lubowa & Kitende
Kasumba Square- Busega, Kampala
Malakai- Eco- Hotel – Kitende (For guests Access only)
Eureka Hotel - Ntinda (On pilot project as per now)


Roperfree is fighting for a malaria-free world and we have no political affiliation but stands for the health of the people around the world.