1 Research Laboratory on Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (LR-MIP), Western Regional Directorate, Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS-DRO), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), 01 P.O. Box 545, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
2 Laboratory of Environment and Forest, Agroforestry and Aquatic Ecosystems (LaboEcoFAA), Western Regional Directorate for Environmental and Agricultural Research, Environment and Agricultural Research Institute (INERA), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), 01 P.O. Box 910, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
3 Laboratory for Studies and Research on Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (LERNSE), Nazi BONI University (UNB), 01 P.O. Box 1091, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
4 Vector-Borne Diseases and Biodiversity Research Unit (UMaVeB), International Centre for Research and Development on Livestock in the Subhumid Zone (CIRDES), 01 P.O. Box 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
5 Medical Entomology and Parasitology Laboratory, Lwiro Natural Sciences Research Centre (CRSN/Lwiro), South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
6 Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Official University of Bukavu (UOB), South Kivu, P.O. Box 570, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 36(01), 255–267
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2026.36.1.0271
Received on 15 June 2026; revised on 25 July 2026; accepted on 28 July 2026
Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) bears 12.6% of global malaria cases and 11.3% of malaria-related deaths. Vector control through long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) relies almost exclusively on pyrethroids, yet insecticide resistance in Anopheles malaria vectors increasingly threatens its effectiveness. No national-level synthesis has previously aggregated resistance data across all DRC provinces.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched for studies reporting WHO standard bioassays, CDC bottle bioassays, or molecular resistance genotyping in An. gambiae s.l. or An. funestus group from the DRC (2016–2025). Of 138 records identified, 35 were retained; 19 primary field studies contributed to the quantitative synthesis.
Results: Pyrethroid resistance was confirmed at every site tested nationwide. Deltamethrin mortality at Ndjili-Brasserie (Kinshasa) declined from 67.2% in 2015 to 12.2% in 2021. An east-west gradient was documented: vgsc-L1014F near-fixation in western DRC (≥98.3%) and L1014S predominating in eastern provinces. Metabolic resistance (CYP6P9a/b, GSTe2) was widespread in both vector species. Susceptibility to organophosphates and carbamates was largely retained, though low-frequency ace-1 mutations signal early erosion. PBO-pyrethroid nets outperformed standard nets in a field trial, but PBO synergy loss was documented at all eight nationwide survey sites.
Conclusions: Pyrethroid resistance in DRC malaria vectors is geographically universal, molecularly heterogeneous, and temporally intensifying. Accelerated deployment of next-generation nets and evidence-based IRS rotation are urgently required. A standardised national resistance monitoring network covering all 26 provinces is essential to guide vector control under the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2024–2028.
Insecticide resistance; Malaria vectors; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Systematic review; Meta-analysis
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Sévérin N'Do, Bazoma Bayili, Jacques 1er Jumeau Kaboré, Janvier Balikubiri Bandibabone, Bertin Musaka Zawadi and Bantuzeko Chimanuka. Geographical distribution and temporal evolution of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2016–2025: A systematic review and meta-analysis. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 36(01), 255–267. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2026.36.1.0271.