Scaling Solutions for Brazil’s Dengue Crisis: Q&A with Dr Natalia Ferreira, Executive Director of Oxitec Brazil

Scaling Solutions for Brazil’s Dengue Crisis: Q&A with Dr Natalia Ferreira, Executive Director of Oxitec Brazil

Last year, Brazil experienced one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history. How do you see the scale of the challenge ahead?

Dengue has become an everyday threat in Brazil. The numbers we’re seeing are unprecedented, and the burden on our public health system and communities is growing. Climate change is only making things worse, creating conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to thrive in our urban areas that have often grown without adequate planning or infrastructure. We need to act urgently – and at scale – to protect people.

Despite the challenge, Brazil is also a hub for innovation in this field. What role is the country playing?

Brazil is not just facing the crisis – it’s also leading the way in developing and deploying innovative solutions. We’ve seen public and private partners across Brazil stepping up, pioneering new approaches to mosquito control that are safer and more sustainable – with full support from the local communities. It’s been inspiring to witness the country’s commitment to trying something different, not just with the aim of serving our communities with the most advanced solutions but also piloting tools which could be used globally in the fight against dengue. Brazil is paving the way for a new era of fighting dengue and its vector.

What does that innovation look like in practice?

At Oxitec, our Friendly™ Aedes aegypti technology is already being used across Brazil. Our mosquitoes are serving hospitals, schools, local governments – and can even be purchased online by people, to be used in their households. It’s safe, targeted, chemical-free, and proven to reduce mosquito populations in the communities where it's deployed. Our team in Campinas, São Paulo, has been working tirelessly to make this a reality. And now, with Sparks™– our Wolbachia platform – we’re building on that progress, expanding the toolbox for governments and communities to use.

How do you see Oxitec’s role going forward?

We’re focused on impact. Our goal is to get these tools into the hands of more people, faster.  We’re committed to being part of the solution – not just through innovation, but by working hard, hand-in-hand with communities, health authorities, and partners across the country.

What motivates you in this work?

This is more than a job – it’s personal. Brazilians have been suffering for too long from the impact this mosquito has on our lives. We shouldn’t settle, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s not only innovating but making a real difference to people’s lives.

What’s your message this World Dengue Day?

This crisis is real, and it’s growing. In Brazil, people got used to the presence of the mosquito and the dengue epidemics year after year – as it’s almost an expected part of our summer, just like rain, heat, ice-cream and Carnival. But we now have the tools to change the trajectory. Brazil is showing the world what’s possible when you combine science, commitment, and local leadership. That gives me hope.