Genome Editing a potential to eliminate human diseases

Genome Editing a potential to eliminate human diseases

By Hope Mafaranga

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

Prof Yaye

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 in at Sheraton Hotel Pretoria, in South Africa.

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

Prof. Gassama, said, said, genome editing has the ability of curing 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, the 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 get crops that are resistance from diseases and pests and can resist harsh weather conditions. The technology is also crucial in providing huge yields and reduce 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 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   policy makers take the stage with half truths and myths.

“Africa’s chance to benefit from genome editing lies heavily on the ability to efficiency regulates and communicates 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 step and making decisions that empowers science to strive and  stop  becoming victims of uninformed scientific decision.

 Dr. Charles Mugoya the Chairman of 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.