Gathering Mosquitoes for Research Resulting in First Successful Malaria Vaccine

With W.H.O.'s recent announcement of the first malaria vaccine to be distributed across Africa’s sub-Saharan continent, debut author, Brian Bassett was delighted. In his book, Blood, Sweat & Fears, one of the stories includes an explanation about the 'fever trees' and the anopheles mosquito. 

'My wife, Sue and I, took part in a conservation project in South Africa that involved crawling under guests’ tents to access the flying insect traps that had been placed to attract that specific mosquito, the carrier of malaria. Those same mosquitoes were packaged and despatched to Belgium where vital medical research was being conducted … the complementary research that has resulted in this outstanding medical advance.’

‘It's an exciting development for humanity,' Brian states. 'It is so sad that around 400,000 African children die each year from this insidious disease. Until now, an easily available vaccine has not been available. It was a challenging task gathering the specimens but so worthwhile given this amazing announcement.' 1

Brian, and his photographer wife, Sue, are passionate about wildlife conservation, and prior to COVID, had journeyed extensively throughout East and Southern Africa.

'Whilst much of the book is about sharing our remarkable escapades, the underlying theme of this book stresses how important conservation is and the desperate situation that is still in play despite the generous support from charities and charitable people,' Brian remarks.

Travel restrictions have had a huge impact on tourism in Africa over the last year. Despite the dedicated efforts of rangers and the local people who remain within the game reserves, the large areas devoid of visitors has meant the cruel collateral damage from poaching has, in fact, increased. 2 

‘I hope,’ says Brian, ‘that the book will appeal to a wide audience so we can direct all of the proceeds of sales directly into our charity, The School of St Jude in Tanzania, and to the continuation of our conservation work.’

Brian and Sue have booked their trip back to Africa in 2022. Blood, Sweat & Fears includes many amazing action photos of wildlife encountered during their travels. These images, along with the book, will be available for purchase, in mid-December, from: www.bassettaustralianauthor.com





1 The New York Times (2021), A 'Historic Event': First Malaria Vaccine Approved by W.H.O., viewed from, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/health/malaria-vaccine-who.html 

2 CNBC (2020), 'Filthy bloody business': Poachers kill more animals as coronavirus crushes tourism in Africa, viewed from, https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/24/coronavirus-poachers-kill-more-animals-as-tourism-to-africa-plummets.html