In February 2026 the Gates Foundation publicly dismissed viral allegations that it had released genetically modified or laboratory-bred mosquitoes in Kenya, stating that it does not conduct any mosquito-release activities in the country. The claims spread on social media amid wider suspicion of Gates-funded malaria research using gene-drive and sterile-male techniques elsewhere in Africa. The Foundation clarified that its role is limited to funding scientific research into genetics-based approaches for controlling malaria-carrying mosquitoes, not deploying them in Kenya. Kenyan outlets reported the denial as misinformation about the Foundation's activities continued to circulate.