2nd Global Congress On Genetic Biocontrol, 17-20 March 2025
Course 001/2/2025: Regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes for emerging biotechnologies
Venue: Ridge Hall
| Time | Registration | Speaker | Moderator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:30 AM | Welcome Remarks | Eric Okoree | Cyrus Tareh |
| Introduction to the Workshop | Prof Dorington Ogoyi | ||
| Pre-workshop assessment | Vibha Ahuja |
SESSION 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF GENE DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
| 09:30 – 10:00 AM | Sterile Insect Techniques (SIT) for mosquito control (This session will describe Insect Incompatibility techniques (IIT) and compare SIT and IIT during mosquito development) | Givemore Munhenga | Eric Okoree |
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Fundamentals of gene drive technologies, genome editing and GMOs (Overview of CRISPR-Cas9, Homing Endonuclease genes, applications in agriculture, healthcare, and conservation biology) | Daniel Maeda | |
| 10:30 – 11:00 AM | Q&A | ||
| 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Break and Photo Session | ||
| 11:30 – 12:00 PM | Introduction to WHO Guidance for GMMs and Containment Practices for Arthropods Modified with Engineered Transgenes This session will discuss the WHO Guidance for GMMs and Arthropod Containment Guidelines which provides recommendations for containment and best practices in research with arthropods containing engineered transgenes capable of gene drive. | Brian Tarimo | Josephat Muchiri |
| 12:00 – 12:15 PM | Q&A | ||
| 12:15 – 12:45 PM | Regulatory frameworks for gene drives and genome editing The session will present the global developments including under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety); regional and country specific approaches for regulating gene drives and genome editing research and applications. | Vibha Ahuja | Prof Ogoyi |
| 12:45 – 1:00 PM | Q&A | ||
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch |
SESSION 2: RISK ASSESSMENT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
| 2:00 – 2:30 PM | Designing a regulatory framework This presentation is intended to provide general principles that guide how an effective regulatory framework is designed and provide case studies of functional regulations in other regions. | Eric Okoree | Vibha Ahuja |
| 2:30 – 2:45 PM | Q&A | ||
| 2:45 – 3:15 PM | Risk assessment and Risk management frameworks for gene drive research This session will provide participants with foundational knowledge of environmental and health risk assessment principles in the context of gene drive research. It will inform on risk management frameworks that are specific to gene drive technologies, equipping participants with tools to evaluate potential environmental and health safety impacts. Emphasis will be placed on applying these frameworks to ensure responsible research and development. | Josephat Muchiri | Daniel Maeda |
| 3:15 – 3:30 PM | Q&A | ||
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Tools and methodologies in risk assessment of genetic biocontrol technologies This session will focus on tools and methodologies for evaluating the potential impacts of gene drive technologies. Participants will gain insights into the gene drive risk assessment guidelines approved in CBD COP16 in Cali, exploring their application in assessing ecological and health risks. The session will emphasize practical approaches to identifying and mitigating potential impacts, ensuring alignment with international best practices. | Vibha Ahuja | Givemore Munhenga |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Q&A | All | |
| 4:30 – 5:00 PM | Tea Break | ||
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Group discussion: Exercises in conducting risk assessment This session will enable the participants to discuss elements considered when performing risk assessment. | Josephat Muchiri | Vibha Ahuja |
| 5:30 – 6:00 PM | Q&A | All | |
| 6:00 PM | End of Day 1 | ||
| 7:30 PM | Group dinner |
Course 002/2/2025: Pre-Congress Course on Communicating Genetic Biocontrol Technologies
Venue: Opera II Hall
SESSION 1: BASIC SCIENCE OF GENE DRIVES
SESSION CHAIR: MARY AMA
| 08:30 am – 09:00 am | Opening Remarks | Rosalia Omungo |
| Workshop Objectives and Gauging Expectations – Individual Pentagons | Gloria Ogbaki | |
| 09:00 am – 10:00 am | The basic science and case studies of genetic biocontrol technologies in Africa | Amelie Wamba |
| Current and upcoming genetic biocontrol technologies in disease vector control | Dickson Lwetoijera | |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Q & A | All |
| 10:30 am – 11:00 am | Break and Group Photo | All |
SESSION 2: FOUNDATIONS OF RISK COMMUNICATION IN SCIENCE
SESSION CHAIR: JOSEPH OPOKU
| 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Communicating uncertainties in science, regulatory decision-making | Andrew Kiggundu |
| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Q & A | All |
| 12:00 pm – 12:15 pm | Case Studies and Lessons Learned: Examples of effective and ineffective communication | Milly Murigi |
| 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm | Social media and Science – Best platforms for science communication | Abraham Isah |
| 12:45 pm – 01:00 pm | Q & A | All |
| 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm | Lunch Break | All |
SESSION 3: IDENTIFYING BIOSAFETY CONCERNS
SESSION CHAIR: ABRAHAM ISAH
| 14:00 pm – 14:45 pm | Identifying Biosafety Concerns for different target groups (farmers, media, consumers, industry, researchers, policymakers, etc.) | All |
| Presentation of the concerns | All | |
| 14:45 pm – 15:30 pm | Regulatory frameworks and policies | Gloria Ogbaki |
| 15:30 pm – 16:00 pm | Tea Break | All |
| 16:00 pm – 17:00 pm | Handling challenging biosafety questions | Eric Okoree |
| 17:00 pm | Day 1 Ends | |
| 19:30 pm | Group Dinner |
Course 003/2/2025: Pre-Congress Course on the Principles & practices of biosafety and biosecurity for high containment facilities
Venue: Britannia Hall
| Time | Topic | Speaker | Moderator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 am | Registration | Andrew Kipkoech | |
| 09:00 – 09:15 am | Opening Remarks | Martin Bundi | Larbi Baassi |
| 09:15 – 09:30 am | Workshop and Lecturers Introduction | Rajka Fritsch | |
| 09:30 – 10:00 am | Introduction of Participants and Expectations | All | |
| 10:00 – 10:15 am | Pre-Evaluation | ||
| 10:15 – 11:00 am | Presentation 1: Overview of Biosecurity | Larbi Baassi | Rajka Fritsch |
| 11:00 – 11:15 am | Q&A | ||
| 11:15 – 11:30 am | Coffee Break | ||
| 11:30 – 12:15 pm | Presentation 2: Actual Overview of Relevant Standards and Guidelines, Background and Basic Requirements | Claus Schweinheim | Martin Bundi |
| 12:15 – 12:30 pm | Q&A | ||
| 12:30 – 02:00 pm | Lunch | ||
| 02:00 – 02:45 pm | Presentation 3: User Requirement Specification (URS) as First Step to Define | Rajka Fritsch | Larbi Baassi |
| 02:45 – 03:00 pm | Q&A | ||
| 03:00 – 03:45 pm | Presentation 4: Collaboration of Trades and Biosafety Consultants in Building Projects | Fabio Blaha | Charles Quaye |
| 03:45 – 04:00 pm | Q&A | ||
| 04:00 – 04:15 pm | Coffee Break | ||
| 04:15 – 04:30 pm | Post-Evaluation | ||
| 04:30 – 05:15 pm | Group Discussion and Summary of Results | Larbi Baassi | Claus Schweinheim |
Course 001/2/2025: Regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes for emerging biotechnologies
Venue: Ridge Hall
SESSION 3: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND THE SOCIETY
| 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Public engagement and Stakeholder communication This session will focus on the important role of communication and stakeholder engagement on emerging technologies and their regulation. It will examine best practices and tools that promote transparent, inclusive, and informed dialogue among scientists, policymakers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders. | Philbert Nyinondi | Brian Tarimo |
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Community stakeholder perspectives during ARTs-based Approaches for piloting SIT in South Africa This session will describe exploratory qualitative approach using key informant interviews to understand stakeholder experiences with the three arts-based approaches in genetic biocontrol. | Givemore Munhenga | |
| 09:30 – 09:45 AM | Q&A | ||
| 9:45 – 10:15 AM | Ethical, social, and cultural dimensions This session will address ethical dilemmas in genome editing. It will also reveal the socio-cultural considerations for introducing gene drive technologies and explain the importance of respecting traditional knowledge systems and community values as stakeholders attempt to balance innovation with societal acceptance. | Simon Langat | Givemore Munhenga |
| 10:15 – 10:30 AM | Q&A | ||
| 10:30 – 11:00 AM | Tea Break |
SESSION 4: CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING
| 11:00 – 12:00 PM | Capacity development for biosafety regulators This session is designed to enhance the capacity of regulators, developers and policymakers in overseeing genetic biocontrol technologies. It will feature training modules tailored to their needs. The session will also emphasize building cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen oversight and introduce practical tools for effective policy development and implementation. Participants will gain skills and knowledge to support responsible governance and advance regulatory frameworks. | Eric Okoree | Simon Langat |
| 12:00 – 12:15 PM | Q&A | ||
| 12:15 – 12:45 PM | Applications of gene drives in agriculture and healthcare This session will explore case studies of gene drive applications, such as targeting mosquito populations for malaria control and genome editing for crop improvement and pest management. It will highlight the potential role of these technologies in enhancing public health and agricultural productivity. Participants will gain insights into practical applications and the broader implications for sustainable development. | Vibha Ahuja | |
| 12:45 – 1:00 PM | Q&A | ||
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch | ||
| 2:00 – 2:45 PM | Monitoring and surveillance for gene drive applications This session focuses on the practical aspects of setting up monitoring systems for field releases of genetic biocontrol technologies. Participants will explore methods for identifying and managing unintended consequences, ensuring safety and compliance. The session will also cover the development of effective reporting systems and compliance mechanisms to support transparent oversight and adaptive management in the field. | Prof Dorington Ogoyi | Brian Tarimo |
| 2:45 – 3:00 PM | Q&A | ||
| 3:00 – 3:45 PM | Practical training and demonstration This session is designed to provide participants with hands-on training in regulatory management tools and decision-making processes for genetic biocontrol technologies through simulation exercises and interactive risk assessment scenarios. Participants will gain practical experience in applying regulatory frameworks to real-world challenges. | Eric Okoree | |
| 3:45 – 4:00 PM | Q&A | ||
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Tea Break | ||
| 4:30 – 4:45 PM | Post-workshop assessment | Cyrus Tareh | |
| 4:45 – 5:00 PM | Discussion and Course Evaluation | Prof Dorington Ogoyi / Vibha Ahuja | |
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Closing | ||
| 5:30 PM | End of Workshop |
Course 002/2/2025: Pre-Congress Course on Communicating Genetic Biocontrol Technologies
Venue: Opera II Hall
SESSION 4: DEVELOPING MESSAGE MAPS
SESSION CHAIR: ANDREW KIGGUNDU
| 08:30 am – 09:00 am | Introduction to message mapping | Andrew Kiggundu |
| 09:00 am – 10:00 am | Practical session – Using narratives to make scientific research understandable, relatable, and memorable | Milly Murigi |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Tea Break | All |
| 10:30 am – 11:30 am | Presentation and discussion of the practical session group work | All |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | Introduction to effective media relations:
| Rosalia Omungo |
| 12:15 pm – 12:30 pm | Q&A | |
| 12:30 pm – 01:00 pm | Managing Science news for reporters and journalists – anticipating how journalists might frame a story, aligning science stories with public interest | Mary Ama |
| 01:00 pm – 01:15 pm | Q & A | All |
| 01:15 pm – 02:00 pm | Lunch Break | All |
SESSION 5: EFFECTIVE MEDIA INTERVIEWS
SESSION CHAIR: ROSALIA OMUNGO
| 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm | Practical Mock Media Interviews and Role Play – Scientists and Journalists | Milly Murigi |
| 03:00 pm – 03:30 pm | Public Engagement: Strategies and Tools | Philbert Nyinondi |
| 03:30 pm – 04:00 pm | Tea Break | All |
| 04:00 pm – 04:30 pm | Engaging Policymakers: Strategies and Tools | Eric Okoree |
| 04:30 pm – 05:00 pm | Measuring Impact: Strategies and Tools to evaluate success of science communication initiatives | Philbert Nyinondi |
| 05:00 pm – 05:30 pm | Workshop evaluation and action plans for post-workshop follow-up | Carol Thuo |
| 05:30 pm | Closing Remarks | Gloria Ogbaki/Caroline Thuo |
| Pre-congress course ends |
Course 003/2/2025: Pre-Congress Course on the Principles & practices of biosafety and biosecurity for high containment facilities
Venue: Britannia Hall
| Time | Topic | Speaker | Moderator |
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Pre-Evaluation | Larbi Baassi | |
| 09:15 – 09:45 | Presentation 5: Preparation of an operation and incident matrix | Rajka Fritsch | |
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Q&A | ||
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Coffee break | ||
| 10:15 – 11:00 | Presentation 6: Tightness requirements and test methods for different room types | Claus Schweinheim | Larbi Baassi |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Q&A | ||
| 11:15 – 12:00 | Presentation 7: Biosafety qualification: testing and commissioning and Certification | Fabio Blaha | Claus Schweinheim |
| 12:00 – 12:15 | Q&A | ||
| 12:15 – 13:45 | Lunch | ||
| 13:45 – 14:30 | Presentation 8: Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC): Challenges and Implications for the African Continent | Larbi Baassi | Rajka Fritsch |
| 14:45 – 15:00 | Q&A | ||
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Presentation 9: Pressure cascading concepts and filter strategies for laboratories | Claus Schweinheim | Larbi Baassi |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Q&A | ||
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Coffee break | ||
| 16:15 – 17:00 | Presentation 10: Validation: H2O2 decontamination | Rajka Fritsch | Fabio Blaha |
| 17:00 – 17:15 | Q&A | ||
| 17:15 – 17:45 | Post evaluation and Closing remarks | Larbi Baassi | Rajka Fritsch |
| TIME | PROGRAMME | ||||
| 7.00 | REGISTRATION Coordinators: Caroline Thuo, Gilbert Rotich and Andrew Kipkoech | ||||
PLENARY SESSION 1: OPENING CEREMONY AND KEYNOTE ADDRESS MODERATOR: MARY AMA KUDOM-AGYEMANG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEDIA PLATFORM ON ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE (MPEC), GHANA). | Ridge Hall | ||||
| 9.00- 11.00 | Welcome Remarks: Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana National Biosafety Authority, Chair Local Organizing Committee Welcome Remarks: Willy Tonui, Executive Director and Head of the Secretariat, African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium Welcome Remarks: Misheck Mulumba, Congress President Welcome remarks: Dr Patrick Nomo, Opening Remarks by the Chief Guest: Hon Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Republic of Ghana Keynote address: Integrating genetic biocontrol into malaria control programs in a changing climate. Fredros Okumu, Professor of Vector Biology (Infectious Disease Ecology) at the University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine. This presentation will explore key aspects of integrating genetic biocontrol into malaria control programs in Africa in the face of evolving environments which include research, regulatory, and ecological conditions. It will discuss various questions that need to be addressed in order to successfully integrate these technologies, including the optimal implementation strategies, their impact on vector control and other interventions, and their potential to reduce the burden of malaria in different epidemiological settings. | ||||
| 11.00 | COFFEE BREAK & Photo session | ||||
PLENARY SESSION 2: EXPANDING CAPACITY FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND USE OF GENETIC BIOCONTROL APPROACHES IN AFRICA MODERATOR: ERIC OKOREE | Ridge Hall | ||||
| 12.00 – 13.00 | This session will describe the objectives for establishment of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, goals and objective, thematic areas, and the role of member organizations which include Africa One Health Network (AfOHNet), Africa Biological Safety Association (AfBSA), The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). Presenters: 1. Willy Tonui: Expanding capacity for research, development, and use of genetic biocontrol approaches in Africa: The role of African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium. 2. Misheck Mulumba: Managing Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Africa: The Key Role of the One Health Approach. 3. Martin Bundi: Expanding capacity for safety and security of biological materials in research, development in Africa: The role of African Biological Safety Association (AfBSA). 4 Charles Mbogo: An Africa free of mosquito-borne diseases: The role of Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA). | ||||
| 13.00 – 14.00 | Lunch break, Posters and exhibitions (ORGANIZERS: ELAINE AZU & CHARLES AFRIYIE-DEBRAH) | ||||
PLENARY SESSION 3: MALARIA CONTROL & NMCP PERSPECTIVE OF NEW TOOL INTRODUCTION MODERATOR: CHARLES MBOGO | Ridge Hall | ||||
| 14.00 – 15.30 | This panel discussion will explore the potential of these novel approaches, focusing on feasibility assessment, operational integration, and regulatory considerations. It will also outline an action plan for pilot testing, emphasizing site selection, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment. Strategies for scaling up these interventions will be discussed, including capacity-building, policy alignment, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Panelists 2. Abdoulaye Diabate, group lead of the Vector Biology Department at IRSS, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. 3. Jonathan Kayondo, research scientist at Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda. 4. Fredros Okumu, University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine. | ||||
| 15.30- 16.00 | COFFEE Break | ||||
| PARALLEL SESSIONS | |||||
SESSION 4A: INNOVATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS IN VECTOR CONTROL MODERATOR: FRED ABOAGYE-ANTWI | Ridge Hall | ||||
| 16.00 | This session will explore the potential of gene drive technology as a transformative approach to vector control, adapting this technology to develop powerful genetic tools tailored to tackle specific pests of concern specifically targeting Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria. Presenters: 1. Amelie Wamba Ndongmo: Harnessing Gene Drive Technology for Sustainable Malaria Control in Africa. 2. Lakamy Sylla: Developing genetic tools for the control of Malaria vectors: targeting male mosquito fertility 3. Anna Strampelli: Development of the first self-sustaining gene drive for population suppression, for malaria mosquito, anopheles gambiae. 4. Paulette Ndjeunia-Mbiakop: Use of the salivary peptide Gsg6-P1 as a biomarker for assessing human exposure to Anopheles spp. bites in a context of LLINS use in two localities of the East Region of Cameroon. 5. Justin Overcash: The Potential use for AI in the Risk Assessment of Gene Drive Modified Mosquitoes. 6. Seth O. Agyei: Effects of environmental stress factors at larval stage on male Anopheles gambiae fitness | ||||
SESSION 4B: REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND SECURE DEVELOPMENT FOR GENETIC BIOCONTROL STUDIES. MODERATOR: BENJAMIN OBUKOWHO EMIKPE | Opera II Hall | ||||
| 16.00 | The session will discuss highlights international regulations and ways to set up and operate a facility in close cooperation with local structures. Presenters: 1. Okorie Joseph Michael: Genetic Biocontrol: Ensuring Safe and Secure Development through Biosafety, Biosecurity and Biocontainment in Africa. 2. Songwe Fanuel: Adoption of Biosafety and Biosecurity Standards for High-Containment Facilities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through Policy Harmonization. 3. Charles Afriyie-Debrah: Effective Biosafety Systems on the Nitrogen Use efficiency, Water Use efficiency and Salinity Tolerant Genetically modified Rice Trial in Ghana 4. Onyeka Kingsley Nwosu: The Potentials of Bacillus thuringensis Isolate and Its Cuticle-Degrading Enzymes Activity in the Biological Control of Callosobruchus maculatus in Stored Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) 5. Antonio Nkondjio Christophe: The Central African Research and Health Ethics Committee (CERSAC): organisation, scope and challenges for better supervision and monitoring of biomedical and genetic biocontrol studies in Central Africa. 6. Dipl.-Ing. Claus Schweinheim: Design and Build of a BSL-3 laboratory facility and T&C of a laboratory. 7. Fortunate Muyambi: Enhancing Biotechnology Frameworks in the East African Community (EAC) for Sustainable Development | ||||
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) | Ridge Hall | ||||
| 8.30 | 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. | ||||
| 10.30 | COFFEE BREAK | ||||
| PARALLEL SESSIONS | |||||
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 | |||||
| 11.00 | SESSION 6A: INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AND GENE DRIVES MODERATOR: BRIAN TARIMO | Opera II Hall | |||
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 | |||||
| 13.00- 14.00 | 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 | RIDGE HALL | ||||
| 14.00- 15.30 | 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. | ||||
| 15.30- 16.00 | Coffee break | ||||
| 17.00 | PLENARY Session 6 CLOSING CEREMEONY COORDINATOR: MISHECK MULUMBA | RIDGE HALL | |||
| END OF THE CONGRESS | |||||