African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), through the Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa (Health Tech Platform), in collaboration with the Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, conducted a training for journalists and science communicators on the nature and status of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on February 1-3, 2023. The training aimed to improve quality and balanced media reporting on GMOs through a better understanding of this field of research.
While giving her opening remarks, Rosalia Omungo, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Editors Guild stated, “We owe it to the public to report on the GMO subject with caution backed up with scientific facts.”
The training provided the participants with an overview of the various aspects of GMOs. The programme covered basic research in scientific institutions, regulatory and decision-making procedures, public participation, field trials and deployment of GMOs, as well as emerging technologies such as gene drives for malaria control and elimination.
“A science journalist ought to have patience because science is a process, and new evidence comes in every day,” said Victor Bwire, Director of Media Training and Development at the Media Council of Kenya. He further urged science journalists to establish and sustain relationships with researchers and scientists in their efforts to conduct informed reporting.
While the training focused mainly on genetically modified crops, participants were also introduced to gene drive mosquito technology for malaria control, an emerging technology that could potentially eliminate malaria if well developed and tested. This technology sparked considerable interest in the participants as malaria remains a significant burden in Kenya and Africa.
Dr Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Principal Research Scientist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), took participants through the basics of gene drive technology for malaria control, highlighting its potential to complement existing tools such as chemotherapeutic agents, insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.
Research on gene drive technology is still in its infancy, and it may take up to a decade until it is fully developed and available for routine use as a public health intervention. However, African governments need to put in place the necessary policy and regulatory frameworks to guide its development and testing so that it truly works in reducing the continent’s malaria burden. Prof. Richard Mukabana, Project Director of AFIDEP’s Health Tech Platform, highlighted the Platform’s work promoting the inclusion of African voices and African institutions in the development of emerging health technologies such as gene drives. He emphasised that journalists and science communicators play a crucial role in demystifying the myths and misconceptions while providing evidence-informed reporting that addresses the fears and concerns regarding GMOs.
At the end of the training, the journalists in attendance committed to providing balanced and informed reporting on GMOs through different communication channels. This will be achieved by building and sustaining engagements with researchers, all working towards enhancing public understanding and participation in this field of research that could positively impact African lives if well-developed, tested and deployed.