TIME

PROGRAMME

PLENARY Session 4: Ridge Hall

Science Communication and Institutional frameworks for public engagement on genetic biocontrol technologies

(Moderators: Ama Kudom and Gloria Ogbaki)

The session will discuss how the Science Communication (SCICOM) hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium is helping to build an informed community of communication experts and local leadership that strengthens public engagement on genetic biocontrol technologies for animal, public health, and conservation in Africa.

Presenters:

1. Caroline Thuo: Communicating the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol approaches: the role of African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium

2. Milliam Murigi: Bridging the science communication gap: A look into the successes of the Media Science Cafes by Media for Environment, Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA).

3. Edward Okonjo: Insights of stakeholders in Kenya on gene drive modified mosquitoes for malaria control and elimination.

4. Cyrus Tareh: Addressing the training needs for scientists, developers, communicators, regulators and other stakeholders for Genetic Biocontrol Products in Africa: progress made for Institutional Oversight Committees.

5. Givemore Munhenga: From song to stories: assessing the impact of exposure to Arts-based community engagement tools in shaping Knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability toward the Sterile insect technique in south Africa.

6.  Andrew Kiggundu: Addressing misconceptions about genetically modified organisms’ technology as it transitions from crop to livestock and human health in Africa.

The Session will consider regulatory approaches and legislative context on decision-making process for genetic biocontrol in Africa. It will also highlight the progress made towards capacity for oversight committees in decision-making process for genetic biocontrol in Africa

Speakers:

1. Vibha Ahuja: Advancing LMO Risk Assessment and Risk Management: Key outcomes from COP 16.

2. Gansane Adama: Strengthening the Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks for the Safe Deployment of Gene Drive Technology: Insights from Burkina Faso.

3. Okorie Joseph Michael: Developing genetic biocontrol policies and guidelines: Key to mitigating misuse and promoting public acceptance.

4. Amelie Wamba: Building Capacity for Gene Drive Research: Empowering African Scientists and Communities.

5. Simon Langat: Regulatory excellence in African Genetic Biocontrol

6.  Kebenei Enock: Building Synergistic Relationship between Ethics Committees and Biosafety Committees for Effective Governance of Genetic Biocontrol Technologies: Case of Kenya Medical Research Institute.

7.  Josephat Muchiri: Risk assessment of GM Animals

SESSION 6A: INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AND GENE DRIVES

MODERATOR: BRIAN TARIMO

The session will discuss progress made towards the understanding of the spread of insecticide genes and how it can inform how gene drives would spread.

Speakers:

1.  Austin Burt: How might we use information on the spread of insecticide resistance genes to predict the potential spread of gene drives?

2.  Nikolay Kandul: SEPARATOR and NextGenSIT are novel tools for safe and efficacious elimination of Anopheles malarial mosquitoes.

3.  Nadège Sonhafouo Chiana: High insecticide resistance and loss of net physical integrity: A big challenge for vector control in Cameroon.

4. Kanouo Christin Micael: Strategic Control of Malaria: A Data-Driven Approach for Targeted Interventions in Yaoundé.

5.  Thomas Gyimah: Does suppressing anopheles gambiae impact pollination service? A case for balancing ecology and public health

6.  Jovid Okine: Effects of larval rearing background colour on anopheles gambiae fitness

Lunch break

Posters and exhibitions (ORGANIZERS: ELAINE AZU & CHARLES AFRIYIE-DEBRAH)

PLENARY Session 5: Global and regional updates on gene drive governance

Organizer: Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research

Moderator: Dickson Lwetoijera, Ifakara Health Institute

Speakers:

1. Charles Mugoya: International policy debate: What is happening at the Convention on Biological Diversity?  A summary of key developments and decisions from the CBD relevant to synthetic biology and risk assessment of gene drives.

2.  Brinda Dass: Regional and global perspectives on gene drive regulation. Discussion on the state of regulatory and governance frameworks for gene drives outside of Africa, covering regional priorities and challenges.

3. Isabelle Coche: IUCN policy on synthetic biology is on the horizon. Insights into the IUCN synthetic biology policy process and the road ahead to WCC 2025.

4. Wiltshire Johnson: AUDA-NEPAD update on regional work. Presentation on AUDA-NEPAD’s initiatives and progress in governance and capacity-building efforts related to synthetic biology, particularly on gene drives.

PLENARY Session 6

CLOSING CEREMEONY

COORDINATOR: MISHECK MULUMBA