Inside the labs on the frontline in the battle against one of the world's deadliest diseases – as it reaches Europe
A SWARM of blood-sucking mosquitoes encircle me, buzzing around my face.
I'm perched on a bed in a tin-roofed shed and the only barrier to the outside world is a mozzie net filled with holes.
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Sun Health's Isabel Shaw behind a mosquito net at the Ifakara Institute
Credit: © Malaria no More UK/Jordi Matas
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Dr Brian Tarimo carrying out research at the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania
Credit: © Malaria no More UK/Jordi Matas
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Studies can aid the ever-growing threat posed by mosquitoes across the globe
Credit: © Malaria no More UK/Jordi Matas
I'm at the Ifakara Health Institute, in rural Tanzania, Africa, nestled among towering palms.
Here, British and African scientists work in converted shipping containers on the front line in the
Deaths from the infection have been rising. There were 620,000 victims in 2022, up from 560,000 a decade ago — most of them African children under five, according to the World Health Organisation.
After years of progress, with global deaths down from 1.8million in 2004, warmer temperatures, war and Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have fuelled a resurgence of the disease.
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The WHO says 249 million cases were reported globally in 2022, up from 233 million in 2019.
Europe was declared malaria-free by the WHO in 2015, but now its threat is edging closer again.
'Smile hides heartbreak'
Malaria-carrying
Symptoms are flu-like, but severe cases can be fatal.
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Most read in Health
Exclusive
People who haven't been regularly exposed to malaria, like those in Europe, don't have the same immunity as those in Africa
Dr Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera, principal research scientist at the institute, tells Sun Health their work could have far-reaching consequences for the whole world.
He says: 'With global travel and population movement, there's every chance the disease could spread to new regions — if that happens in Europe, the consequences could be serious.
Malaria No More UK's campaign film featuring David Beckham
'People who haven't been regularly exposed to malaria, like those in Europe, don't have the same immunity as those in Africa who have lived with the disease for some time, so the risk of severe illness or death is much higher.'
In Tanzania, it's as prevalent as the common cold, but that doesn't erase the devastation this disease has brought to families.
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In a dusty neighbourhood in Dar es Salaam, a few hours from Ifakara, I meet Jamima Charles Abel.
She welcomes me into her home — a tiny space along a narrow, muddy street shared by several families. Her smile hides the heartbreak her family has endured.
Her son Eric Daniel Richard, 24, 'loved people', Jamima tells me. He was a hard worker at a local
business
, supporting his family despite having moved out.
One day last December, he developed flu-like symptoms. Within 24 hours, he was gone.
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Jamima, 44, is terrified for her other two children. Just last month, her 17-year-old son caught
The infection is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the
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Europe was declared malaria-free by the WHO in 2015, but now its threat is edging closer again
Credit: Getty
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Drones are being used to find and dismantle mosquito breeding grounds
Credit: © Malaria no More UK/Jordi Matas
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An insectary at the institute in Tanzania helps researchers fight against the spread of malaria
Credit: © Malaria no More UK/Jordi Matas
Male mosquitoes don't bite and are therefore harmless. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and infiltrates red blood cells.
Genetically engineered mosquitoes
The Plasmodium parasite is adept at evading the immune system. It means a vaccine, which seems like the simplest option, is far from straightforward.
So scientists are working on other cutting-edge solutions.
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A team from Imperial College
London
, in partnership with a team at Ifakara, has genetically engineered mosquitoes resistant to the malaria parasite.
It's hoped these mozzies will be released into the wild within eight years, dominating and repopulating areas within a few months.
'This is the first malaria-fighting
technology
that doesn't rely on human behaviour,' Dr Lwetoijera explains. 'With our current tools, like bed nets and insecticides, the biggest challenge is compliance.
'People have to use them consistently for them to work, which isn't always possible.' Funding is one of the biggest challenges scientists face.
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And a huge blow came earlier this year when Donald Trump made abrupt cuts to foreign aid, and Keir Starmer announced plans to slash the overseas aid budget to its lowest level in a generation.
Dr Sarah Moore, who has worked at Ifakara for 20 years, says: 'Every day, the equivalent of four jumbo jets full of children die of malaria in Africa.
'If aid continues to fall as predicted, it could rise to five. Because it's Africa, no one cares.'
Among other developments, drones are being used to find and dismantle mosquito breeding grounds in Dar es Salaam, such as stagnant water pools, leafy foliage and shaded areas.
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Taking our foot off the gas could lead to a surge, including in new places not ready to fight back
At dusk, when mosquitoes begin to stir, experts knock on the doors of locals to set up traps.
Mwanabibi Kharifa Mohamed, a grandmother and mother of four, is one local taking part.
As Alex Limwagu, a research scientist, sets mosquito traps in the garden, Mwanabibi tells me her children have caught the disease more times than she can count — the family can't afford nets — but it never quells her panic.
'I rush straight to the hospital because I know in two minutes they could die,' she says.
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Since the mosquito team arrived this year, Mwanabibi has learned more about protecting her family.
'I used to be ignorant,' she says. 'But Alex taught me how mosquitoes breed and how to protect my children. If malaria disappeared, life would be peaceful.'
The WHO wants to reduce global malaria by 90 per cent by 2030.
It believes the ambitious
target
is 'achievable' — but not without the dedicated scientists on the ground and the funds to keep them going.
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Victoria Fowler, head of UK advocacy at the charity Malaria No More UK, says: 'Taking our foot off the
gas
could lead to a surge, including in new places not ready to fight back.
Read more on the Irish Sun
We need the Government to back the Global Fund to Fight Malaria at the Spending
Review
this month.
'Standing behind our scientists is crucial to get back on track to beat this killer, saving hundreds of thousands of children's lives and protecting the British public.'
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Jamima Charles Abel opened up about losing a son to malaria
Credit: supplied
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The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
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So, what can you do if you want to enjoy the summer without feeling like your face or lungs are under attack? Advertisement Here are some simple tactics to consider . . . PROTECT EYES 5 Try the wraparound sunglasses from Credit: supplied SENSITIVE, irritated eyes need extra protection during hay fever season, says dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh. She suggests: Ditch mascara: The sticky consistency makes it a trap for pollen. Advertisement Wear sunglasses : The larger they are, and the more they wrap around the eyes, the better. Wipe the lenses and frames regularly with a clean cloth to remove any build-up of pollen. Most read in Health Try the wraparound sunglasses from Use a calming gel or mask on the skin around the eyes : Try Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel (£10.95, Or Optase Cooling Eye Mask (£10.99, is perfect for ten minutes of quick relief. Advertisement Using eye drops to soothe red and itchy eyes : Try A. 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Speak to your GP, as some devices are available on the NHS with a prescription. hayfever recommendations from a boots pharmacist THE AIR THAT YOU BREATHE 5 Air purifiers can create a cleaner and fresher home environment Credit: supplied Advertisement TRY to keep your windows closed on days with high levels of pollen and pollution, ventilate your home when cooking or cleaning, and consider getting an air purifier if you live in a badly affected area, says Dr Gareth Patterson, an NHS GP. Try 4 Speed White Air Purifier (£32, which creates a cleaner and fresher home environment. Or, Coway Airmega Mighty (£164.99, is a portable, quiet air purifier that removes pollen, dust and other allergens. And MedicAir Pro Mini (£599, Advertisement EASE YOUR WHEEZING 5 The Shaker Medic Plus is said to help clear sticky mucus from your chest Credit: supplied WHEEZING when pollen hits? This clever gadget could help. 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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
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READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS 'That really embarrassed me and made me feel terrible about myself.' Tomas, from Christchurch, Dorset, says his figure affected every part of his life, from his mobility to his mental health. 'I felt terrible both physically and emotionally,' he says. 'I really stood out when out in public, which caused me to have really bad anxiety due to the fear that everyone was looking at me and judging me for my size.' Most read in Diet & Nutrition Tomas admits his eating habits had spiralled out of control, with a typical day involving not just three large meals but constant snacking in between. 'I'd have three meals plus around 10 snacks throughout the day, which, looking back, is wildly unnecessary,' he says. I was size 22 eating FIVE takeaways a week - now I'm told I look like Gemma Owen after 8st weight loss without jabs 'A full day of eating back then was easily 3,500 to 4,000-plus calories. 'My snacking was truly out of control. 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'I did meal prep a lot at the height of my diet so I knew exactly what I was eating and how many calories were in things.' 10 Tomas, pictured with his friend Ken Richard, was crippling insecure about his size Credit: Jam Press 10 He says he was too big to fit in restaurant booths and was constantly out of breath Credit: Jam Press 10 Tomas credits cutting out alcohol and learning to meal prep for his weight loss success Credit: Jam Press 10 He also tried intermittent fasting and started playing football Credit: Jam Press And as the weight came off, Tomas says his self-worth grew. 'The first sign that it was working was when I no longer felt tired after doing tasks that would've had me exhausted before,' he says. 'Friends and people I worked with then noticed and asked if I'd lost weight, which was a really big boost to my confidence. 'I had always struggled with clothes and bought the majority of my wardrobe from online shops that specialised in bigger men, but the biggest change for me was being able to buy normal clothes in any shop. 'I remember a specific moment when I was trying on jeans in a changing room. I put them on and realised that they now fitted me. 'I couldn't help but get a bit emotional and felt an immense wave of pride.' How intermittent fasting can help you lose weight By Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter THOUGH many diets focus on the foods you're eating, intermittent fasting is all about when you eat. Put simply, it involves fasting - going without food - and only eating within a certain time window. 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Tomas' 4 top weight loss tips Joining a football team Intermittent fasting Meal prep Quitting alcohol 10 Tomas with his 'truly wonderful' partner Faye Morgan Credit: Jam Press 10 As the weight came off, he says his self-worth grew Credit: Jam Press 10 Tomas in goal at the MAN v FAT football programme Credit: Jam Press 10 The airport security officer says: 'I'm happy and I'm more confident in myself' Credit: Jam Press
Dublin Live
12 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Three new Covid symptoms flagged as NB.1.8.1 strain hits holiday hotspots
Health experts have pinpointed three key symptoms of the latest Covid strain that's hit Ireland and the UK, with signs that may differ from what we've typically come to expect from the virus. Despite it being over five years since the pandemic first shook the world, Covid-19 is still very much present, evolving into new variants as it continues to affect individuals globally. The most recent variant, dubbed NB.1.8.1, has spread in several countries, including major holiday destinations, after being identified earlier in January as a follow on from the Omicron variant. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has observed a surge in Covid cases linked to NB.1.8.1, jumping from 3.7 to 33 percent in the past five weeks. In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled it a "variant under monitoring" due to its rapid spreading, reports the Irish Mirror. While we've commonly associated Covid symptoms with respiratory issues like difficulty breathing and coughing, the symptoms of NB. 1.8. 1 are related to the digestive system. This strain now represents over 10% of sequenced Covid infections worldwide and has become the predominant strain in China and Hong Kong. As well as Ireland, this variant has also been detected in the UK, US, and Australia, not to mention several sought-after holiday destinations such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives. Writing for The Conversation, Dr Lara Herrero, associate professor and virology research leader at Griffith University in Australia, explained that this variant could be faster spreading than others. She said: 'The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. "These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data." However, she added: "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants." The "classic" Covid symptoms like coughing, sore throat, aching body, and loss of taste or smell are well-known, but there might be less obvious signs associated with the NB. 1.8. 1 variant. "Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants," Dr Herrero said. She also noted that some individuals might experience gastrointestinal symptoms. As reported by The Independent these symptoms could include: Diarrhoea Constipation Nausea This could mean that it is easier to mistake a Covid infection for a different illness. But Dr Herrero added that this variant could also be accompanied by a sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
