In an ambitious expansion of its mosquito control initiative, Singapore is set to cover 50 per cent of its households—approximately 800,000—by 2026 with Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes. This announcement was made by Grace Fu, the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, at the 8th Singapore International Dengue Workshop on 25 November 2024.
Understanding Project Wolbachia
Launched in 2016, Project Wolbachia aims to control the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary spreaders of the dengue virus. By releasing male mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria, the project ensures that their mating with local female mosquitoes results in non-hatching eggs, thus reducing the mosquito population over time.
Impressive Results
According to recent studies conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA), residents in areas where these Wolbachia mosquitoes have been released face a whopping 75 per cent reduction in dengue infection rates. This success can be attributed to an 80 to 90 per cent decrease in the Aedes aegypti population within these regions.
- 75% less likely to contract dengue in release areas
- 80-90% reduction in Aedes aegypti population
- 45% reduction in adjacent areas not directly involved in releases
Community Impact and Future Plans
Fu emphasised that the spillover effects of the project also benefit nearby communities. The expected surge in dengue cases for 2023 and 2024 remained largely subdued, attributed to the project’s success and community vigilance against breeding.
Currently, about 13,057 dengue cases have been reported for the year, with preventive measures showing promising impacts.
To support its expanding scope, the NEA is increasing the capacity of its existing mosquito production facilities and establishing a third facility. By 2025, the NEA will explore utilising Wolbachia technology to suppress dengue transmission in larger clusters, potentially complementing traditional mosquito control efforts.
Long-Term Goals
As the Ministry looks towards the future, they aim to harness the insights gained from studies of mosquito behaviour to optimise deployment strategies. This long-term investment in research and development is vital for sustaining low mosquito populations and preventing dengue outbreaks in Singapore.