THE AFRICAN GENETIC BIOCONTROL CONSORTIUM

Thematic Areas

The work of the Consortium is divided into six thematic areas as follows

Forum for Inquiry and Deliberation

Through this thematic area the Consortium seeks to increase capacity for governance and decision-making on genetic biocontrol technology in Africa and promote effective multinational engagement by providing a regular avenue for in-depth discussion and debate of the challenges, needs and requirements for testing and implementation of genetic biocontrol technologies by interdisciplinary experts from countries most likely to experience both the risks and the benefits. The main issues for consideration will be decided and reviewed by the steering Committee from time to time.

Capacity Strengthening on Environmental Interaction

Through this thematic area the Consortium seeks to increase in-country research and operational expertise on the application of genetic technologies to control of zoonotic and animal diseases and protect biodiversity and conservation issues across Africa by promoting a consistent one-health approach to research and development at the interface of health and the environment.

Integration of Genetic Biocontrol with Other Interventions

Through this thematic area the Consortium seeks to raise awareness about the complementarity of genetic biocontrol approaches with other approaches to protect human and animal health such as vaccination, training on ethical issues to ERB) during testing, diagnosis, and treatment, using malaria as a specific case study, to build capacity to implement genetic biocontrol tools in the context of existing interventions.

Capacity Strengthening on Risk Assessment and Safety Evaluation

Through this thematic area, the Consortium seeks to strengthen in-country capacity for informed decision-making on the safety of genetic biocontrol technologies for human and animal health and the environment, by providing opportunities for international training, information sharing and discussion on genetic technologies as related to risk assessment and regulatory practices.