Knowledge, perspectives, and risk perceptions on gene drive and genetically modified mosquitoes for malaria control among African stakeholders: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to understand the knowledge and perspectives of African stakeholders regarding the use of gene drive mosquitoes in malaria control. INTRODUCTION: The prospect of using gene drive and genetically modified mosquitoes as tools for malaria control is generating considerable debate, particularly with regard to its acceptance and implications among key stakeholders, as well as the nature of governance established in its management. This study aims to fill the gaps in understanding the views of African stakeholders on the risks associated with these mosquitoes. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include scientific articles and gray literature that explore the knowledge, perspectives, and risk perceptions of African stakeholders on the use of gene drive and genetically modified mosquitoes. Exclusions will apply to documents with restricted access, those addressing diseases other than malaria, and those involving stakeholders outside Africa. METHODS: The search will be conducted across PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Google Scholar using index terms and keyword strategies tailored to each database. Documents will be selected in four stages: identification, duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text review for final inclusion. Screening will be conducted on Rayyan by two independent reviewers, with references managed in Zotero. Data extraction will include details on authorship, publication year, study objectives, design, methodology, sample size, findings, conclusions, and limitations. A thematic analysis of the extracted data will be conducted. DISCUSSION: This scoping review will provide a clear understanding of the knowledge, perspectives, and risks perceived by African stakeholders regarding the use of gene drive and genetically modified mosquitoes in malaria control. The results will help to improve communities' engagement, which is crucial to the success of this technology. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) (https://osf.io/4kz85).