Like for many other genetically modified organisms, the testing and use of genetically modified mosquitoes are subject to regulations that are premised on national legislative frameworks. Functional regulatory systems, therefore, need to be in place in countries that contemplate harnessing the potential benefits of genetic engineering for the benefit of their public health, increased agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
In a number of countries, Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) are required to complement national regulatory agencies in ensuring that genetically modified organisms and products are developed and used in full compliance with the national rules and regulations.
IBCs are creatures of existing regulatory frameworks with an oversight mandate over genetic engineering research activities and related product development at the institutional level. In doing so, IBCs contribute to augmenting the overall regulatory compliance within a territorial jurisdiction, which is essential to ensure the safety of the processes and products while building public trust that will facilitate acceptance of the end products.
As such, it is of a priority for AUDA-NEPAD to support the establishment and operationalisation of IBCs in countries that have made provisions for it. It is crucial that research scientists and other relevant stakeholders fully comply with the legislation of their country, taking into account provisions of relevant multilateral agreements, regional cooperation and international best practices.
The purpose of the current IBC guidelines is to guide research institutions and similar organisations within the African Union Members States that are engaged in genetic engineering work.
The roles and responsibilities of IBC members, as well as the principles and operating procedures of the committees that are described here, are characteristic of any IBCs mandated by existing legal frameworks to perform biosafety functions for genetically modified organisms.
Taking into account the fast-evolving developments in genetic engineering, especially with the advent of innovative tools such as CRISPR-CAS9 and gene drive, AUDA-NEPAD will make sure that these guidelines are revised timely and adapted in order to keep pace with these developments. To that end and to better serve the purpose of supporting the establishment of enabling regulatory environment for the safe use of proven technologies, AUDA-NEPAD greatly welcomes feedback on the utilisation of the guidelines by stakeholders at various levels of the national regulatory systems.
