Last week, Accra, Ghana hosted the 2nd Global Congress of the Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, bringing together approximately 150 participants from 25 institutions across 15 countries to discuss critical issues surrounding genetic biocontrol technologies.
The four-day event featured pre-congress workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions that showcased various genetic biocontrol products and services. Attendees included African national and international professionals from scientific institutions, academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology research, development organizations, and science communication.
Under the theme “Harnessing Biocontrol Potential Solutions in A Changing Climate,” this year's congress aimed at building cooperation and collaboration in the scientific community. The event was jointly organized by the Ghana National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium. The inaugural Global Congress took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 2023.
During the opening session, Ghana's Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, shared that the government is exploring various funding streams to secure sustainable financing for scientific research in the country. He noted that the commercialization of research outputs could serve as a major funding source, especially in light of declining international support, including recent cuts to USAID funding by the U.S. government.
The Minister encouraged research institutions to effectively communicate their outputs and successes, stating, “If research institutions can commercialize their outputs, they will generate internal funds to invest in research projects.”
Looking ahead, Ghana plans to host its first 'Science and Technology Research Fair' in May 2025, designed to showcase research outputs and attract potential investors. The fair is part of a broader initiative to secure funding for research initiatives, he added.
Professor Fredros Okumu from the University of Glasgow mentioned the significant role the U.S. government has played in supporting public healthcare across Africa. He urged African leaders to seek innovative strategies to address the financing gap resulting from the U.S. government’s freeze on aid.
Highlighting the importance of the congress, Dr. Willy Tonio, Head of the Consortium, stated that the focus on genetic biocontrol aimed at promoting cooperation, collaboration, and communication while highlighting exciting scientific advancements at a time when new technologies like gene drive and Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility were being developed.
Dr. Misheck Mulumba, President of the Congress, who explained operations of the Consortium to advance best practices and inform decision-making for development of genetic biocontrol technologies to improve public health, stressed the need for rapid responses to control pandemics worldwide to mitigate their devastating effects, adding,
If possible, the world must invest in appropriate innovations, such as biocontrol technologies, to prevent imminent pandemics.”
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