The spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa

Anopheles stephensi has the capacity to thrive in urban areas, setting it apart from the other main mosquito vectors of malaria. Native to parts of South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, it has been detected over the last decade in a number of countries in the African continent. In the early stages of 2023, the vector has been detected in even more African countries. This phenomenon has possibly elevated the burden of this vector, which is already very difficult to control.  A WHO initiative aims to stop its further spread.