A report has emerged indicating a breed of mosquitoes Anopheles stephensi from India and Iran are spreading malaria in Africa's urban area resistant to Insecticides. African experts say this mosquito can reverse decades of progress against malaria is actions are not taken in a timely manner. Stephensi was confirmed as present in Kenya in late 2022, but has so far stayed in hotter, dryer areas. "We don't yet fully understand the biology and behaviour of this mosquito," Charles Mbogo, president of the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, said.
The mosquito breed also appears to be highly resistant to insecticides, and bites earlier in the evening than other carriers.
That means bed nets, up to now the prime weapon against malaria may be much less effective.
The spread of stephensi could dovetail with other worrying trends, including increased evidence of drug resistant malaria recorded in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Eritrea.