Aiming to create a pool of regional scientists well-trained in the assessment and management of biosafety related to the implementation of genetically modified disease vectors for the control of vector-borne diseases in Asia, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will hold a 12-day training course on biosafety for human health and the environment in relation to potential release of genetically modified disease vectors.

Sponsored by the WHO-TDR, the 12-day third Asian training course on biosafety for human health will be conducted between October 18 and 29, 2010 at the Centre for Research in Medical Entomology, ICMR, at Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

The goal of this biosafety training course is threefold: to increase the awareness of Asian researchers and decision-makers to issues and challenges such as ethical, legal and social implications related to the development and implementation of this technology; to ensure the feasibility and safety of genetically modified disease vectors in Asian countries; and to build capacity in Asia for the safe development and implementation of this technology.

Some of the specific objectives of the course include: to outline requirements for field deployment of genetic control methods for disease vector control e.g. malaria, dengue; to build capacity in Asia for assessment and management of biosafety to ensure secure handling of issues associated with a field release of genetically modified vectors through the creation of a regional training center; and to train Asian researchers, personnel in vector control services and decision-makers in the assessment and management of biosafety for human health and the environment and seed the creation of biosafety regulatory bodies.

The course content include the Basic principles of the genetic manipulation of vectors and their potential impact on humans and the environment; Ethical, legal and social implications of the use of genetically modified vectors; Identification of potential hazards; assessment and management of risks for humans and the environment, risk/benefit analysis; Principles and practices for the assessment and management of biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories; Creation and management of institutional or national biosafety review boards and ethics review committees; and Introduction to the development and application of a biosafety regulatory framework and its related legal principles at national levels for securing the development and use of vector control methods based on genetic modification strategies.

The course, which aims to train dedicated researchers, vector biologists, personnel in vector control services and decision-makers, is significant as the genetic transformation of disease vectors opened a new era for control of viral and parasitic diseases by significantly reducing the ability of some vectors to transmit pathogens. Currently, there has been progress in the genetic transformation of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes to make them refractory to transmit dengue virus and Plasmodium, respectively. However, this technology raises concerns not only in the scientific world, but also in the general population with regard to safety for humans and the environment, handling, feasibility, efficiency, and release of such genetically modified organisms, especially in Asian countries.