Nairobi: Healthcare professionals in the country are advocating for the resolution of issues surrounding genetically modified (GM) food crops, emphasizing their potential to improve the nation's nutrition status and food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, medical experts assert that biotechnology not only plays a crucial role in increasing food production but also in developing essential pharmaceutical products. During a meeting in Nairobi, which convened healthcare professionals from different disciplines, experts highlighted biotechnology's applications in the medical field, including drug development and enhanced nutrition and beauty products.
Dr. James Ndukui, a clinical pharmacologist from UMMA University, stated that biotechnology is essential for the Kenyan population, particularly as the population continues to grow. He emphasized that biotechnology's role in boosting food production aligns with Vision 2030's goals of food security, safety, and sustainability. Dr. Ndukui also noted biotechnology's significant potential in addressing emerging diseases through genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Dr. Ndukui stressed the importance of rethinking and embracing biotechnology for crop production and healthcare management at the hospital level. Prof. Richard Oduor from Kenyatta University highlighted the power of scientists in the field of biotechnology to communicate its importance and dispel myths surrounding it. He noted the significant role biotechnology plays in medicine, including insulin development, and warned against hindering its potential to solve food and medical challenges.
Prof. Oduor, who is also the chairman of the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (KUBIKO), emphasized that biotechnology's benefits extend beyond food security to health, bioremediation, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Ruth Mbugua, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Mama Ngina University College, pointed out the alarming statistics of malnutrition among children and pregnant women in Kenya, advocating for the acceptance of biotechnology to ensure adequate food production.
Dr. Mbugua reassured Kenyans about the safety of GM foods and products, which are regulated to ensure safety for human consumption. She stressed the importance of embracing biotechnology to produce climate-resilient crops and address food insecurity.
Dr. Joel Ochieng, Senior Researcher and Leader of the Agricultural Biotechnology Programme at the University of Nairobi, highlighted the country's progression towards commercializing biotechnology products and the need for healthcare professionals to support this transition. He encouraged healthcare professionals to collaborate, review, and advise on biotechnology applications, recognizing the fundamental role of nutrition as medicine.
KUBIKO has been actively engaging in sensitization meetings with healthcare professionals across the country. Last December, KUBIKO was recognized by the Kenya Medical Association for its outstanding partnership and research aimed at developing climate-resilient crops and animals.
The discussion on biotechnology has gained momentum following the lifting of a ten-year ban on GMOs by the cabinet in 2022. Although the High Court dismissed several petitions challenging the decision, the matter continues to be contested in the Court of Appeal.