Fresh Off The Journal: January 2026

The Simões laboratory challenges the malaria vector research status quo, arguing that genetic interventions designed in stable laboratory conditions often falter outdoors. As the only laboratory globally integrating complex environmental fluctuations into vector research, they argue that environmental variability must be addressed in the early development of vector-based genetic interventions to tackle malaria transmission. This article defends a real-world approach, essential for ensuring genetically modified mosquitoes remain effective in a shifting climate.

Dael, L., & Simões, M. L. (2026). Beyond the static lab: Environmental variability in genetically modified mosquito target gene identification for malaria control. Current Opinion in Insect Science, Article 101489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2026.101489

Screening mammals sold for wild meat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Belgium, researchers uncovered a striking diversity of viruses in 28 wild African mammalian species and one domesticated species. Several viruses were identified in animal hosts for the first time, including strains related to human picobirnaviruses, simian foamy viruses and rotavirus A. Their detection in non-human primates raises concerns about cross-species transmission along the wild meat supply chain.

Geraerts, M., Gombeer, S., Nebesse, C., Akaibe, D., Akaibe, D., Baelo, P., Chaber, A., Gaubert, P., Gembu, G., Joffrin, L., Laudisoit, A., Laurent, N., Leirs, H., Mande, C., Mariën, J., Ngoy, S., Těšíková, J., Vanderheyden, A., Van Vredendaal, R., . . . Gryseels, S. (2025). A wide diversity of viruses detected in African mammals involved in the wild meat supply chain. PLoS Pathogens, 21(12), e1013643. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013643

In the DRC, researchers prospectively evaluated second-generation rapid diagnostic tests for gambiense sleeping sickness alongside established serological, parasitological and molecular methods. While rapid tests offer practical advantages for field use, their specificity fell short of WHO targets in low-prevalence settings. These findings highlight persistent challenges in the design and interpretation of new diagnostic procedures, and the need for further refinement before these tools can reliably support elimination efforts.

Alonso, S. T., Da Luz, R. I., Van Reet, N., Ngay, I., Pemba, M. M., Rogé, S., Kwete, J., Nicco, E., Rigouts, L., Miaka, E. M., Ngoyi, D. M., Verlé, P., Büscher, P., & Hasker, E. (2025). Prospective evaluation of 2nd generation rapid diagnostic tests for the serological diagnosis of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMC Infectious Diseases, 26(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-12278-3

This multidisciplinary study brings together biomedical science and field screening and national control programmes to assess new diagnostic tools for gambiense sleeping sickness in the DRC. While rapid tests promise easier screening, their limited specificity raises concerns for surveillance in near-elimination settings. As Epco Hasker epidemiologist notes: “When case numbers are low, even small diagnostic inaccuracies can undermine trust, waste resources and complicate decision-making for control programmes.”

Alonso, S. T., Da Luz, R. I., Van Reet, N., Ngay, I., Pemba, M. M., Rogé, S., Kwete, J., Nicco, E., Rigouts, L., Miaka, E. M., Ngoyi, D. M., Verlé, P., Büscher, P., & Hasker, E. (2025). Prospective evaluation of 2nd generation rapid diagnostic tests for the serological diagnosis of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMC Infectious Diseases, 26(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-12278-3

This prospective study examined the link between mistreatment (disrespectful and abusive care) during childbirth in health facilities and postpartum depression in Ethiopia and Guinea. Most women experienced some form of mistreatment, ranging from verbal and physical abuse to neglect, poor communication, and stigma or discrimination. The more mistreatment women endured, the higher their risk of postpartum depression, even among those without depression during pregnancy. Conducted by ITM with partners in Ethiopia, Guinea, the UK and Belgium, the findings underscore the urgent need for respectful, woman-centred childbirth care.

Asefa, A., Beňová, L., Marchal, B., Hanlon, C., Millimouno, T. M., Asfaw, M., Tuncalp, Ö., Smekens, T., Delamou, A., & Gebremedhin, S. (2026). Unraveling the link between the mistreatment of women during childbirth and postpartum depression: A prospective longitudinal study in Ethiopia and Guinea. EClinicalMedicine, 91, Article 103702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103702

In Northern Syria, the war has turned access to medicines necessary for the management of heart disease, diabetes and epilepsy into a daily struggle. Surveying clinics and pharmacies, researchers found that essential medicines were available only about half the time, far below WHO targets (Above 80%), with epilepsy medicines hardest to find. Interviews point to broken supply routes, weak regulation and major price swings. Yet informal channels kept some supplies moving, offering limited access to essential medicines.

Aljadeeah, S., Tarrafeta, B., Fahed, S., Kielmann, K., & Ravinetto, R. (2025). Access to essential medicines for noncommunicable diseases during conflicts: The case cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and epilepsy in Northern Syria. PLOS Global Public Health, 5(12), e0004744. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004744