Comments on The Guidance Framework for testing genetically modified mosquitoes under review
The response to the online survey for comments on The Guidance Framework for testing genetically modified mosquitoes has been strong. Many valuable comments were received, and all opinions are being reviewed and considered by the production team prior to finalizing the document.
TDR unit leader for research on vectors, environment and society, Dr Yeya Touré, said, “TDR and our partner, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), would like to thank those who have been involved in this important process. The framework provides standards to countries and regions to test genetically modified mosquitoes to control malaria and dengue. We appreciated all suggestions for enhancing its utility.”
The drafting of the document was commissioned by TDR and FNIH. It includes considerations on safety, and efficacy and addresses ethical, social and regulatory issues during the developmental phases of the genetic control methods. The process has involved four working groups (efficacy; safety; ethical, legal and social; and regulation) for the drafting of the document, each of which received comments about their draft from several experts, and the advanced consolidated draft was reviewed by many additional experts worldwide. The organizations and reviewers make no recommendations for or against this technology or take a position. The public survey was the last phase of consultation into this document.
The final publication is expected by the end of 2013.
For more information, please contact
TOURE, Dr Yeya
E-mail: tourey@who.int