Gene drive is a system of biased inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms that enable the rapid and extensive spread of gene drive bearing traits in the population of the organisms in question. Gene drive systems have been known for decades, but recent advancements of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) genome editing techniques have accelerated its applications in health, agriculture and conservation. These systems offer unprecedented capabilities for modifying or suppressing populations of insects such as disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Both of these features have been demonstrated in multiple studies in the laboratory. In addition, mathematical models also show that considerable suppression of vector populations can be achieved within a few years of using a female sterility gene drive, though the impact is likely to vary from one place to the other.

However, the potential risks associated with this technology have not been fully understood. It has therefore been strongly suggested that the development and deployment of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes should follow a precautionary approach, with stepwise testing under strict regulatory oversight to minimise or avoid potentially harmful effects to human, animal or environmental health. Since the experience with regulatory oversight of gene drives is still in its infancy, AUDA-NEPAD and ECOWAS, through the West Africa Integrated Vector Management (WA-IVM) Programme, are developing guidelines to support responsible conduct of activities involving the technology. The guidelines will ensure the safety of the technology and help in building public confidence in the adequacy of the required oversight.

This specific document presents the guidelines necessary to ensure compliance monitoring and inspection of activities involving the use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in health and the environment.