Executive Summary
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever are among the world’s most urgent health challenges, disproportionately affecting women, children, and vulnerable communities. Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, these diseases cause immense suffering, with over half the global population now at risk. Dengue alone infects an estimated 390 million people annually, while Zika’s 2016 pandemic left a devastating legacy of congenital disabilities. Climate change is accelerating the spread of these diseases, threatening billions more. Traditional control methods—reliant on pesticides —have failed to break the cycle of transmission.
The World Mosquito Program (WMP) has pioneered a transformative solution: harnessing the natural bacteria Wolbachia to stop mosquito-borne diseases at their source. When introduced into mosquito populations, Wolbachia prevents the transmission of viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This method is safe, sustainable, and proven effective, with no genetic modification or harmful chemicals. Over a decade of research and field trials across 12 countries has demonstrated its efficacy, reducing disease rates by up to 97%.
WMP has already protected 13.3 M people in communities in 14 countries, delivering this intervention at scale in diverse settings, from urban centers to remote villages. Now, we are accelerating global scaling to respond to the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, ensuring the Wolbachia method reaches at-risk communities worldwide. By partnering with governments, health organizations, and local communities, we aim to redefine public health—turning the tide on mosquito-borne diseases and creating a future where families can thrive, free from fear.
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Accomplishments
WMP achieved a major milestone of protecting 10 million people across 12 countries where the Wolbachia method is being implemented. Through extensive research, advocacy, community engagement and implementation, these 10 million people have been protected from diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. These efforts have not only improved public health but also paved the way for sustainable disease prevention strategies, making a profound impact on global health in the process. After working in Indonesia for over 10 years, WMP has established three project sites and reached nearly 2 million people. Releases will be commencing soon in Bali, effectively “dengue proofing” the island. In Brazil, WMP is partnering with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FioCruz) and has established a joint venture with IBMP, a nonprofit biotechnology Scientific and Technology institution. To date, five project sites have been established in the country and over 3.2 million people have been reached.