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The great mosquito swap

How a highly unusual approach to disease is helping to stop dengue fever in Colombia.

A large study published in June showed how a peculiar intervention could help prevent the spread of dengue fever. Instead of vaccinating people, the World Mosquito Program has found a way to breed mosquitoes carrying bacteria that prevent them catching the disease in the first place. The organisation releases millions of these designer mosquitos into a city with the aim of displacing the wild population and protecting the human residents. People Fixing the World saw the method in action in Colombia in 2019 – this is another chance to hear that report, and get an update.

Presenter: Tom Colls
Reporter / Producer: William Kremer

(Photo Caption: The Aedes Aegypti Mosquito / Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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24 minutes

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