The Driving Down Dengue program in Laos, supported by the Australian government and implemented by Save the Children Australia in partnership with the World Mosquito Program and the Laos Ministry of Health, reports that Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes are becoming prevalent in Vientiane. The method involves breeding mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria, which reduce their ability to transmit dengue.
How the Wolbachia Method Works
Mosquitoes are collected in Laos, transported to Monash University in Melbourne for breeding with Wolbachia, then eggs are freeze-dried and sent back to Laos for rearing and release. Trained volunteers use mobile apps to navigate release locations.
Program Goals and Impact
The program aims to reduce dengue cases; monitoring shows Wolbachia mosquitoes are establishing in target areas.
"I hope fewer dengue patients will require hospital treatment."
— Dr Anny, Laos Ministry of Health
"The mosquitoes are 'good' and would help stop dengue in homes and communities."
— Village health volunteer Ladkham
A Proven Global Solution
The Wolbachia method was developed in Australia in the late 2000s and is used globally, protecting over 16 million people from mosquito-borne diseases. The program is described as a long-term, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to dengue control.