Biotechnology Law at Djibouti
genetically modified mosquitoes ...
Djibouti currently lacks a comprehensive national legal framework governing biotechnology and biosafety. According to the Global Health Security Index, there is no publicly available evidence that Djibouti has national biosafety legislation or regulations in place. The Joint External Evaluation conducted in July 2018 highlighted the absence of biosafety and biosecurity legislative and regulatory bases, noting that the country suffers from a lack of such frameworks.
Furthermore, Djibouti has not developed a National Biosafety Framework under the National Environment Policy, and there is no evidence of functional biosafety guidelines. The country has not implemented legislation or regulations requiring the screening of synthesized DNA against lists of known pathogens and toxins before it is sold. Additionally, there is no publicly available evidence that Djibouti has a national laboratory that serves as a reference facility subject to external quality assurance review.
Regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Djibouti has no stand-alone biotechnology policy, and biotech issues are implicit in the policy on the environment. The country has no specific biosafety law or legislation of GMOs under transboundary movement. Most existing biotechnologies in Djibouti involve tissue culture, especially micropropagation, and the use of molecular markers in breeding.
In response to public health challenges, Djibouti has initiated the release of genetically modified mosquitoes to combat malaria. This experimental approach aims to address the unprecedented surge in malaria cases, particularly due to the spread of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which thrives in urban areas and is resistant to insecticides. The World Health Organization has identified this species as a key factor in the malaria resurgence in Djibouti and neighboring countries.
While these developments indicate a growing engagement with biotechnology, the absence of a formal biosafety and biotechnology regulatory framework poses challenges for ensuring the safe and ethical application of such technologies. Establishing comprehensive biosafety legislation and regulations would be crucial for Djibouti to effectively manage the risks associated with biotechnology and to align with international standards.
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