Chinese researchers are trying to control a deadly mosquito-borne disease. The method is quite extreme, namely eradicating mosquitoes with nuclear technology. They say this is the only modern biological technology that has the potential to eradicate certain mosquitoes in an area and control disease transmission.
"A mosquito repellent technique using nuclear radiation is used to extinguish the reproductive capacity of male mosquitoes. Once released, these sterile males will mate with wild females without producing offspring," said study leader Zhang Dongjing.
Quoted from the Global Times, Thursday (2/9/2021) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) praised the anti-mosquito research carried out by the Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), which was established in partnership with the University. Sun Yat-sen in 2020.
"This is an example of the application of environmentally friendly nuclear technology, the sterile mosquito technique has a strong and long-lasting effectiveness, without chemical pollution that harms other animals or drug resistance in mosquitoes," said the CAEA Director.
Wu noted that this is the only modern biological technology that has the potential to eradicate certain mosquitoes in an area and control disease transmission.
According to WHO data, mosquito-borne diseases kill more than 700,000 people every year. South Africa has suffered from a severe malaria outbreak that has caused many deaths.
Zhang Dongjing traveled to Johannesburg in 2020 to provide guidance and support on sterile mosquito techniques to the country's national infectious disease center. This technique will have an impact on reducing morbidity.
In addition to the CAEA research center, Sun Yat-sen University has also set up a 'mosquito factory' to mass-produce sterile mosquitoes. With an expected yield of 40 to 50 million sterile mosquitoes per week, China can make a greater contribution to controlling mosquito-borne diseases in developing countries, and solving international public health care challenges.
Sun Yat-sen University also plans to set up three to four anti-mosquito technology demonstration sites in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao and set up training bases overseas.