This is a database of peer-reviewed literature that focuses on Genetic Biocontrol research. The latest are shown here.
AFRICAN GENETIC BIOCONTROL CONSORTIUM JOINS EXPERTS IN GLOBAL NEGOTIATIONS AS SBSTTA-28 OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD) KICKS OFF IN NAIROBI
28th meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 28) and 7th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implemenation (SBI7)
The meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. (SBSTTA-28) officially opened at the UN Headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi. SBSTTA -28 runs from 27 July to 1 August 2026 at the UN Office in Nairobi. This will be followed by the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-7) from 4 to 12 August 2026.
Credit: ENB
SBSTTA 28 meeting was preceded by three information workshops on:
- The global report on collective progress in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- The assessment on business and biodiversity recently completed by Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). IPBES is an independent body of over 150 member governments often described as the “IPCC for biodiversity.
and
- The outcomes of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology.
The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) are both permanent subsidiary bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). SBSTTA provides scientific, technical and technological advice, while the SBI reviews the implementation progress of the Convention and its Protocols and provides recommendations to strengthen implementation.
Delegates follow proceedings during a plenary session. Credit: AGBC
An informal dialogue on Article 8(j) and other provisions of the CBD related to Indigenous Peoples and local communities will take place immediately after the SBI 7 meeting.
The meeting is being chaired by Jean Bruno Mikissa of Gabon, who serves as the Chair of SBSTTA. He has chaired the SBSTTA Bureau throughout the preparations for this session and opened the meeting in Nairobi.
At the official opening, Mikissa noted that the negotiations and recommendations being put forward to the Subsidiary Body, would be a great step in influencing scientific evidence and political decision-making.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that informational inputs and recommendations are scientifically robust, technically sound, and responsive to the needs of Parties as they prepare for COP 17,” he said.
Jean Bruno Mikissa, SBSTTA 28 Chair, Gabon. Credit: ENB
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, CBD, underscored that the global review is not just a process of ticking boxes but is a critical mechanism to track and monitor implementation progress. She underlined that the breadth and scale of SBSTTA 28 agenda reflects the complexity of the issues, and encouraged constructive, pragmatic, and collaborative work towards GBF implementation.
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, CBD, Credit: ENB
As of the official opening (the opening day of SBSTTA-28 in Nairobi), the delegates were mainly dealing with organizational matters, opening statements and setting the direction for the week’s negotiations. Regional groups are setting out negotiating priorities.
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC) is a leading African platform that translates genetic biocontrol science into safe, ethical, and impactful solutions for agriculture and public health. AGBC provides a platform for African experts and institutions to interact, strengthen technical capacity, exchange knowledge, and deliberate on the challenges and opportunities associated with genetic biocontrol technologies.
As an accredited observer in the talks, the Consortium is pleased to be part of these negotiations and will focus on decisions, scientific debates and African implications that will shape future policy on genetic biocontrol technologies including synthetic biology.
Founder and Executive Director Dr. Willy Tonui with SBSTTA 28 Chair Jean Mikissa at the UN Headquarters, Gigiri Tuesday, July 28. Credit: AGBC
At the SBSTTA 28 meeting, AGBC is concerned about the following issues:
- Synthetic biology outcomes
This is the most directly relevant agenda item for AGBC.
We shall be following keenly on recommendations emerging from the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG).
Discussions on the thematic action plan for capacity-building, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
How Parties interpret emerging technologies such as gene drives, genome editing, and synthetic biology within the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Implications for gene drive governance
Even if engineered gene drives are not a standalone agenda item, discussions on synthetic biology influence future governance. We shall be looking at how precautionary approaches are being strengthened.
The AGBC has in the past co-hosted technical events on operationalizing voluntary guidance for gene-drive risk assessment, therefore issues will build directly on discussions from SBSTTA-27.
- African perspectives in negotiations
The Consortium will seek to examine positions taken by African Parties, proposed interventions as well as capacity needs by the African delegations. The consortium will also be on the look out for areas where African countries speak with one voice or diverge.
SBSTTA is primarily a scientific advisory body.
Arising from these meetings, the AGBC will be looking at which recommendations are likely to reach CBD COP-17? Which remain politically contested and which are based on new scientific evidence.
The SBSTTA 28 meeting marks the midpoint between the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022 and its 2030 target date.
3RD GLOBAL CONGRESS ON NEW AND EMERGING BIOCONTROL TECHNOLOGIES COMES TO NAIROBI: THE AFRICAN GENETIC BIOCONTROL CONSORTIUM PREPARES TO WELCOME DELEGATES TO KENYA.
The 3rd Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies will now take place from March 15-18, 2027 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
The planning team at the secretariat, announced the change of destination citing logistical challenges encountered during the planning for the Congress.
Committees have been established and will begin to sift through abstracts immediately the deadline for submission expires. The Consortium is working with a myriad of partners and collaborators to make the Congress a success.
The Biennial Congress, now in its third edition, is the foremost gathering of professionals in Africa, with an aim of facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening technical capacity and promoting informed decision-making regarding genetic biocontrol technologies for the benefit of the public. International experts will convene for knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration related to genetic biocontrol technologies through courses, workshops, presentations and symposia.
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC) is also committed to promoting effective communication of genetic biocontrol technologies, thus sessions on communication will benefit science journalists and communicators.
The event will focus on the theme, “Advancements in Engineered Modification Strategies for Vector Control”.
Dr. Willy Tonui, Founder of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium says:
“The Congress will feature discovery research along with technology development and ongoing operational experiences of those moving existing technologies to the field. The Congress will bring those working on insects, plants, fish, mammals, and other organisms together. This is an opportunity to bring researchers, developers, and practitioners together so that future genetic biocontrol activities will take place within a community with shared interests and values.”
The Congress comes at a crucial time when misinformation and disinformation in genetic biocontrol technologies have become rampant in society. Therefore, it will be an opportunity to tackle some of the challenges related to misinformation and disinformation that are causing resistance in the uptake of new and emerging biotechnologies.
A dedicated website of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium’s Congress has been established .The Consortium invites submissions of abstracts aligned with this central theme and will accept entries until August 31, 2026.
Submissions are invited in two categories: scientific abstracts and symposia abstracts. Abstracts should explore the main theme or one of the following sub-themes:
- Gene Drives: Advancements in research, associated challenges, approaches to risk assessment, and regulatory considerations pertinent to gene drives and their applications.
- Non-Genetic Studies: Classical biocontrol, vector control interventions, endosymbiont approaches like Wolbachia.
- Science Communication: Stakeholder involvement, debunking misinformation and disinformation, building social acceptance, influencing public perspectives, improving science outreach, and supporting a scientific framework for understanding genetic biocontrol.
- Capacity building: Progress, challenges, and opportunities in developing knowledge and skills for emerging technologies and vector control.
- Risk Analysis: Risk analysis, risk assessment, risk communication, and risk management for genetic biocontrol. Examples include hazard assessment, exposure assessment, problem formulation, data transportability, etc.
- Global regulations and governance: Examining international regulatory, policy, and governance frameworks for genetic biocontrol and vector control.
- Biorisk Management: Biosafety, biosecurity, and biocontainment issues related to contained use and field trials of genetic biocontrol products.
- Animal Biotechnology: Scientific advancements, challenges, risk assessment, and regulatory considerations related to animal biotechnology, including gene edited animals, genetically modified animals, etc.
- Other topics related to emerging biotechnologies and innovation: Other topics highlighting One Health approaches, scientific advancements, modeling, Quality Management and Accreditation Standards, risk assessment, or regulatory considerations, synthetic biology, genetics-based health biotechnology, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable innovations, post-release monitoring of genetic biocontrol products etc
The 2nd Global Congress was held in March 2025 in Accra Ghana, under the theme: Harnessing Genetic Biocontrol potential solutions in a changing climate. The inaugural congress was held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2023, under the theme: New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies: Progress made in Science, Research, Testing and Environmental Release of Experimental Genetically Modified Biocontrol Products
Call for Subject Matter Experts
Invitation to Join as a Subject Matter Expert
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium is seeking qualified and passionate subject matter experts to join our growing network dedicated to responsible innovation and the safe application of genetic biocontrol technologies across Africa.
About the Consortium
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium brings together scientists, regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders with the shared goal of safeguarding African biodiversity and public health through effective biosafety measures for emerging genetic biocontrol methods.
Who We Are Looking For
- Biosafety and Biosecurity professionals with experience research and training in genetic biocontrol, biotechnology, or related fields
- Professionals in the field of environment with experience in environmental assessments (SEA,EIA/EA) for field trials related to genetic engineering/biocontrol, biotechnology, or related fields
- Researchers and practitioners with expertise in environmental risk assessment, biorisk assessment, regulatory frameworks, or public health
- Individuals committed to advancing biosafety, biosecurity, environment, public health, public engagement and related standards in Africa
- Legal professionals with expertise in developing laws related to environmental, biotechnology, science and technology and related areas
- Professionals in the field of science communication and public engagement
Role and Responsibilities
- Contribute expertise to the review and development of guidelines, policies, regulations and procedures related to genetic biocontrol
- Engage in collaborative research and risk assessment projects
- Participate in capacity-building and training programs across the continent
- Support the Consortium in policy dialogue and stakeholder outreach
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in biosafety, biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, or science communication, legal and a related discipline
- Proven track record in biosafety projects, regulatory, communication and public engagement processes
- Demonstrated understanding of African genetic biocontrol research, public engagement and capacity building challenges and contexts
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Remuneration, Financing and Resources
The Subject Matter Expert will execute a contract with the Consortium for each engagement and will be compensated with an honorarium. When participating in meetings organized by the Consortium, the Subject Matter Expert will be eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses and a daily subsistence allowance, both provided at rates established by the Consortium.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for joining the Consortium Subject Matter Experts. Please send your applications to genbio@genbioconsortium.africa with the subject line “Subject Matter Expert Application.”
The application deadline is October 31, 2025.
Join Us
Join an esteemed community of experts shaping the future of genetic biocontrol in Africa. Your expertise can make a difference!
Trends and cross-country inequalities in dengue, 1990–2021
DALYs burden decomposition highlighted population growth as the key driver of global burden, yet impacts differed across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintiles. Dengue fever burden inequalities related to SDI have remained, with benefits shifting from poor to rich populations. Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model projections indicate stable incidence and prevalence ASRs, but declining DALYs and mortality ASRs, especially for females.
Zhou, M., He, Y., Wu, L., & Weng, K. (2025). Trends and cross-country inequalities in dengue, 1990–2021. PLOS One, 20(6), e0316694. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316694
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316694
Male-dependent resistance to Spiroplasma-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility
Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) caused by bacterial endosymbionts is an embryonic developmental failure between infected host males and uninfected females. Although even closely related hosts can have different CI phenotypes, little is known on the resistance mechanism in non-susceptible hosts. The parasitoid wasp species complex of Lariophagus distinguendus encompasses at least three species, termed clades A, B and C.
Pollmann, M., Reinisch, R., King, M. A., Geiselmann, M., Käppeler, M., Leibson, R., Traub, N., M Steidle, J. L., & Gottlieb, Y. (2025). Male-dependent resistance to Spiroplasma-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility. Royal Society Open Science, 12(6), 250545. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250545
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250545
Climate change and malaria control: a call to urgent action from Africa’s frontlines
In December 2024, L’Initiative-Expertise France organized a workshop in Musanze, Rwanda, for National Malaria Control and Elimination Programmes (NMC/EPs) representatives from 19 sub-Saharan African countries. The workshop focused on surveillance, modeling, climate forecasting, and innovative control methods to mitigate climate change impacts on malaria. Participants shared challenges, experiences and best practices. Key challenges highlighted include shifts in malaria transmission seasons, disease spread to mid-altitude regions, and infrastructure damage from extreme weather. Additional factors, such as drug and insecticide resistance, the spread of Anopheles stephensi, and changes in vector behaviour, are exacerbating malaria transmission in African cities. Participants stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these evolving threats.
Caminade, C., Ayala, D., Ngou, O., Tchouatieu, A., Girond, F., Yahouedo, G. A., Merle, C. S., Pothin, E., Diouf, I., Hakizimana, E., Noseda, V., & Deuve, J. L. (2025). Climate change and malaria control: A call to urgent action from Africa’s frontlines. Malaria Journal, 24, 179. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05431-5
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05431-5
The fast-evolving FIKK kinase family of Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by a single compound
Of 250 Plasmodium species, 6 infect humans, with P. falciparum causing over 95% of 600,000 annual malaria-related deaths. Its pathology arises from host cell remodelling driven by over 400 exported parasite proteins, including the FIKK kinase family. About one million years ago, a bird-infecting Plasmodium species crossed into great apes and a single non-exported FIKK kinase gained an export element. This led to a rapid expansion into 15–21 atypical, exported Ser/Thr effector kinases.
Belda, H., Bradley, D., Christodoulou, E. et al. The fast-evolving FIKK kinase family of Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by a single compound. Nat Microbiol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02017-4
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02017-4
Suppression of Aedes mosquito populations with the boosted sterile insect technique in tropical and Mediterranean urban areas
Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of dengue viruses and other arboviruses, which threaten billions of people all over the world. The boosted sterile insect technique (boosted SIT) is a version of SIT in which irradiated sterile males also transmit a biocide to immature stages.
Bouyer, J., Gil, D.A., Mora, I.P. et al. Suppression of Aedes mosquito populations with the boosted sterile insect technique in tropical and Mediterranean urban areas. Sci Rep 15, 17648 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02795-1
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02795-1
Prevalence of Anopheles stephensi in Horn of Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Anopheles stephensi has been a primary cause of malaria spread in urban areas. The World Health Organization announced a threat alert in 2019 that highlighted the An. stephensi outbreak in the Horn of Africa. Currently, there is insufficient information on the prevalence of An. stephensi. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of An. stephensi in Horn of Africa.
Abebe, W., Sisay, A., Mihret, Y., Setegn, A., Asmare, Z., Woldesenbet, D., Kassanew, B., Mekuanint, A., & Feleke, S. F. (2025). Prevalence of Anopheles stephensi in Horn of Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25, 614. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-11022-1
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-11022-1
The CABIM3, enriched space for the improvement of fruit flies used in the sterile insect technique, first approaches
The High Biosecurity House of the Mediterranean Fly in Metapa (CABIM3, in its Spanish acronym) is a space within the new Moscamed Mexico facility designed to select favorable traits that mitigate the negative effects of mass production while enhancing male competitiveness, ultimately increasing the efficiency of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The CABIM3 serves as an environmentally enriched space where insects, whose offspring will initiate the mass production process, are confined.
Arredondo, J., Pérez-Sarmiento, N., López-Arriaga, F., López, P., & Gómez-Pauza, R. J. (2025). The CABIM3, enriched space for the improvement of fruit flies used in the sterile insect technique, first approaches. Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.70056
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.70056
