Genome editing a potential to eliminate human diseases

Aug 30, 2019

She called upon leaders to pass laws and regulations that allow research and commercialization of genetically modified products.

GENOME EDITING


SOUTH AFRICA - Scientists have asked African leaders to adapt to genetically modified modern technology like genome editing, saying it has the potential of eliminating human diseases and improve food security. 

The appeal was by Prof. Yaye Gassama the chairperson of Africa Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technology during the Africa Biennial Bioscience Communication (ABBC) 2019  symposium at Sheraton Hotel Pretoria, South Africa.

She called upon leaders to pass laws and regulations that allow research and commercialization of genetically modified products.

Prof. Gassama, said, genome editing has the ability to cure leukemia,  AIDS can be defeated by eliminating HIV gene in infected cells.

Genome Editing is a way of making specific changes to a target location of the DNA of a cell or organism. An enzyme cuts the DNA at a specific sequence, and when this is repaired by the cell a change or 'edit' is made to the sequence

The symposium is being held under the theme "Getting it Right in Communicating about Genome Editing".

She said the technology is simple, affordable, reliable and rapid compared to mega nuclear. 

Apart from solving human diseases, genome editing can mitigate climate change and solve the malnutrition issues in African.

"Genome Editing offers an opportunity for the agriculture sector to mitigate climate change and provide solutions to small scale farmers through crops that are resistant to diseases, pests and harsh weather conditions. The technology is also crucial in providing huge yields and reduces food insecurity, eliminate hunger and improve household income for the farmers," she said.

Prof. Gassama, however, said the scientists must also think about changing their communication jargons and stop the use of the GMO words that have created a negative association and formed public perception in a negative way.

Dr. Margaret Karembu the director of International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) said Africa can no longer sit back and watch as none scientists policymakers take the stage with half-truths and myths.

"Africa's chance to benefit from genome editing lies heavily on the ability to efficiently regulate and communicate its potential. When scientists shy away from communicating about their research, other entities will miscommunication it on their behalf," she said.

Ben Durhan the chief director of Bio-Innovation at the Department of Science and Technology in South Africa said its time for Africa to take steps and making decisions that empower science to strive and stop becoming victims of uninformed scientific decisions.

Dr. Charles Mugoya the Chairman of the National Biosafety Committee, Uganda said genome editing research will require early and sustained public dialogue and input to bolster confidence and acceptance of the technology.

"The dialogue on genome editing must strike a balance between hope and fear. Africa needs to maintain public confidence in the ability of its scientists to make wise and ethical decisions about genome editing research," he said.

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