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Experts warn that the invasive Anopheles stephensi species could increase malaria risk in major African cities due to its urban breeding habits and insecticide resistance.

Scientists have raised concerns over the rapid spread of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species that is expanding across Africa and posing a growing threat to urban populations.

Unlike the traditional malaria-carrying mosquitoes that are commonly found in rural areas, Anopheles stephensi is well adapted to city environments. It breeds in artificial water containers such as water storage tanks, buckets, drums, discarded tyres and other containers where stagnant water collects.

Health experts warn that the mosquito's ability to thrive in densely populated urban areas could significantly increase the risk of malaria transmission in cities that have historically recorded lower infection rates than rural communities.

Adding to the concern, researchers say the species has developed resistance to several widely used insecticides, making conventional mosquito control measures less effective and complicating efforts to contain its spread.

Public health authorities are encouraging residents to eliminate stagnant water around homes, properly cover water storage containers, maintain clean surroundings and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets where appropriate. They also stress the importance of strengthening mosquito surveillance and implementing integrated vector control strategies to limit the spread of the invasive species.

Scientists have called for urgent collaboration among African governments, health agencies and researchers to monitor the expansion of Anopheles stephensi, improve urban malaria control programmes and protect millions of people living in rapidly growing cities across the continent.