Modeling impact and cost‐effectiveness of driving‐Y gene drives for malaria elimination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• DOI: 10.1111/eva.13331
• Publication Date: 2021-12-08T06:45:57Z
• Authors: Nawaphan Metchanun; Christian Borgeme...; Gaston Amzati; Joachim von Braun; Milen Nikolov; Prashanth Selvaraj; Jaline Gerardin
• Keywords: Gene drive

Malaria elimination will be challenging in countries that currently continue to bear high malaria burden. Sex-ratio-distorting gene drives, such as driving-Y, could play a role an integrated strategy if they can effectively suppress vector populations. Using spatially explicit, agent-based model of transmission eight provinces spanning the range intensities across Democratic Republic Congo, we predict impact and cost-effectiveness integrating driving-Y drive mosquitoes strategies include existing interventions insecticide-treated nets case management symptomatic malaria. Gene eliminate were most cost-effective intervention overall component was highly effective with at least 95% X-shredder efficiency relatively low fertility cost, associated cost deployment below 7.17 $int per person year. Suppression supplemental for elimination, but tight constraints on effectiveness ceilings may limit its feasibility.