She Studied Mosquitoes to Prevent Malaria. Then She Lost Her Job at USAID

From Fieldwork to a Sudden Dismissal

Jenny Carlson Donnelly, a seasoned entomologist, spent years traveling to malaria‑endemic regions—such as Ghana, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—collecting data on Anopheles mosquito populations. Her work aimed to identify insecticide‑resistant strains and develop targeted control strategies that could save thousands of lives.

Ground‑Breaking Research

While on assignment for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Donnelly led a series of field trials that combined genetic sequencing with community‑based interventions. The results, published in several peer‑reviewed journals, showed a 27% reduction in malaria incidence in pilot villages that adopted her recommendations.

The Unexpected Termination

In March 2024, Donnelly received a formal notice terminating her employment with USAID. According to internal memos obtained by the press, the agency cited “organizational restructuring” and “budgetary constraints” as reasons for the decision. However, colleagues and independent observers argue that the timing coincided with Donnelly’s push for more aggressive pesticide regulations—an issue that has long been controversial within the agency.

Reactions from the Scientific Community

Leading experts in tropical medicine expressed concern over the loss of a key researcher. Dr. Amina Patel, director of the Global Malaria Initiative, stated, “Jenny’s expertise is rare, and her departure could set back critical malaria‑control projects in several high‑risk countries.”

What Comes Next?

Despite the setback, Donnelly announced plans to continue her work through a non‑profit partnership with the International Mosquito Research Consortium. She emphasized that “the fight against malaria does not end with a job title; it continues in every village where a child is spared from this disease.”

Broader Implications

The incident has sparked a broader debate about how government agencies manage scientific talent and the potential influence of policy pressures on public‑health research. Advocacy groups are now calling for greater transparency in employment decisions that affect critical health initiatives.