Voices from the Field: Showcasing the perspectives of Target Malaria’s stakeholders in Burkina Faso

Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Stakeholder engagement is one of the project’s three pillars, along with science and regulatory affairs.

In 2024, Emerging supported Target Malaria with the development of “Voices from the field: Burkina Faso”, a series of five videos presenting the views of stakeholders living in the communities where Target Malaria’s research activities are carried out in Burkina Faso. According to the 2024 World Malaria Report, Burkina Faso is one of the 11 African countries where two-thirds of global malaria cases and deaths are concentrated. Out of the estimated 263 million malaria cases in 2023, an estimated 8,139,000 were in Burkina Faso.

The series explores the perspectives of five individuals, as they share how malaria affects their daily lives. Through their stories, the series highlights the burden of the disease and the need for innovative tools to fight it, while also capturing their thoughts and perspectives on Target Malaria’s research and engagement activities.

Target Malaria’s approach to community engagement is dynamic and participatory, with activities ranging from community meetings and educational workshops to theater plays. By using adapted terminology, visual aids, creative tools and educational material in local languages, the project transforms complex scientific concepts into tangible and accessible information. The goal? To equip communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions and shape how the research is conducted.

The videos were developed in collaboration with Burkina Faso-based production company Diam Production. You can watch the full series here. To learn more about Target Malaria’s work and activities, visit their website or follow them on X or on Facebook.