1. What is this article about?

This article provides information about the range of Anopheles mosquito species – with special emphasis on malaria vectors – that were collected from the malaria-endemic areas of South Africa in 2023.

2. Why does this matter?

Surveying the species assemblage and seasonal densities of Anopheles mosquitoes collected from districts historically affected by malaria is important information for assessing ongoing risk and receptivity. This information is used to assist in the planning and implementation of malaria control operations year-on-year.

3. What drew your interest in this area of research?

My expertise in molecular biology led me to research the systematics and identification of Anopheles mosquito species. This is an important aspect of quality-assured malaria vector surveillance.

4. What was your role in the article?

My role was data collation, analysis, presentation, and distribution map design, and I contributed to the text of the report.

5. Why should people read this article?

Malaria incidence in South Africa is generally low because of effective annual control operations. However, the ongoing presence of mosquito vectors in the malaria-endemic parts of the country shows that outbreaks and epidemics are always possible depending on the presence of Plasmodium parasites.

6. What impact do you hope this article will have on public health policy and access to healthcare?

Malaria is an important communicable disease, and ongoing vector surveillance is essential information for control policy, planning and implementation.

Dr Yael Dahan-Moss is a medical scientist in the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. 

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