[Editor’s note: David Makumi is an oncologist and chairman of the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations.]
Every time the Health ministry weighs in on the debate on genetically modified organisms, it is almost always to effect a ban. From the recent move to stop field trials, to maintaining the earlier ban that was informed by a now discredited French study, the ministry is overly sensitive to all matters GMOs.
Whereas there is need to regulate biotechnology-driven solutions, this must not hinder research. Scientific trials, for instance, are conducted within very controlled parameters; and our local scientists can be trusted to stick to scientific rigour in conducting trials. A country in the middle of a severe drought should fast-track research on GMOs, not stifle it.
Perhaps it is time to give GMOs a break since we do not have any scientific evidence that they are responsible for the numerous health problems the country faces. All energies should be directed towards confronting specific socially accepted and perfectly legal products such as alcohol, which are known drivers of chronic ill health and premature deaths.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Give GMOs a break, alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen
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