Understanding a New Malaria Mosquito in Ghana
Official title: Invasive Anopheles stephensi in Ghana: Sampling Tools and Vector Population Dynamics
Funded at College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana · NIH-11127530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to learn more about a new type of malaria-carrying mosquito that has recently arrived in Ghana, to help protect people from malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Accra, Ghana) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI186018-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit people living in Ghana, especially those in urban areas where this new mosquito might spread malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living outside of Ghana or areas not affected by the Anopheles stephensi mosquito may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
A new mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, which can spread malaria, has been found in Ghana after expanding across Africa. This mosquito behaves differently in Ghana than in other places, and we need to understand its habits to stop it from spreading malaria in cities. Researchers will study where these mosquitoes breed, how many there are, and the best ways to track them. This information is vital for developing effective strategies to control this invasive mosquito and prevent malaria outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes, helping to reduce malaria cases and protect communities in Ghana.
How similar studies have gone: While mosquito surveillance methods are well-established, understanding the specific behavior and spread of this invasive mosquito in Ghana is a novel and critical area of focus.
Where this research is happening
-
College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
Accra, Ghana Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afrane, Yaw Asare — College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
- Study coordinator: Afrane, Yaw Asare
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-
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.