Team:SDU-Denmark/Tour51

From 2014.igem.org

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<html>
<h3> An expert opinion </h3>
<h3> An expert opinion </h3>
 +
<br>
<h4>Outreach in Ghana</h4>
<h4>Outreach in Ghana</h4>
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<div class="popupImg alignRight" style="width:320px">
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<p>
 +
<div class="popupImg alignRight" style="width:450px">
<table>
<table>
  <tr>
  <tr>
-
   <td><p>Facts about Ghana</p></td>
+
   <td><p><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Facts about Ghana</font></b></p></td>
  </tr>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <tr>
-
   <td>Geographic location:</td>
+
   <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Geographic location:</font></b></td>
   <td>Coastal country of West Africa</td>
   <td>Coastal country of West Africa</td>
  </tr>
  </tr>
  <tr>
  <tr>
-
   <td>Population:</td>
+
   <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Population:</font></b></td>
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   <td>25,366,000
+
   <td><span class="sourceReference"> 25,366,000</span>
-
<span class="sourceReference"> 25,366,000</span>
+
<span class="tooltip">
<span class="tooltip">
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
     World Health Organization, 2014: WHO African region: Ghana.
     World Health Organization, 2014: WHO African region: Ghana.
<a href="http://www.who.int/countries/gha/en/" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
<a href="http://www.who.int/countries/gha/en/" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Population under 15 years:</font></b></td>
 +
  <td><span class="sourceReference">38.59 %</span>
 +
<span class="tooltip">
 +
  <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
 +
    World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance: Ghana.
 +
<a href="http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_gha_en.pdf?ua=1" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Nutritional status of children:</font></b></td>
 +
  <td>28% are stunted, 9% wasted and 14% <span class="sourceReference"> underweight.</span>
 +
<span class="tooltip">
 +
  <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
 +
    World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance: Ghana.
 +
<a href="http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_gha_en.pdf?ua=1" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Diet:</font></b></td>
 +
  <td>Starchy roots, fruit and edible <span class="sourceReference"> grains.</span>
 +
<span class="tooltip">
 +
  <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
 +
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana.
 +
<a href="http://www.fao.org/ag/AGN/nutrition/GHA_en.stm" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Coverage needs (micronutrients and vitamins):</font></b></td>
 +
  <td>Primarily iodine and <span class="sourceReference"> vitamin A.</span>
 +
<span class="tooltip">
 +
  <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
 +
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana.
 +
<a href="http://www.fao.org/ag/AGN/nutrition/GHA_en.stm" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td><b><font color="rgb(0,70,132)">Causes of mortality:</font></b></td>
 +
  <td>Bad access to health services, safe water and sanitation. High incidence of Malaria. <span class="sourceReference"> Malnutrition.</span>
 +
<span class="tooltip">
 +
  <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
 +
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana.
 +
<a href="http://www.fao.org/ag/AGN/nutrition/GHA_en.stm" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></td>
  </tr>
  </tr>
</table>
</table>
</div>
</div>
-
<p>
+
 
-
<span class="intro">By generating nutrition made</span> of bacteria our team pointed at contributing to the considerable task of
+
<span class="intro">When generating nutrition made of bacteria</span> our team pointed it's contribution to the considerable task of
-
providing accurate nutrient to third world countries. The contradiction between common opinion of how  
+
providing accurate nutrient to developing countries. The contradiction between a common opinion of how  
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food is produced and of finding a solution on obtaining food in the future has been a key issue to our  
+
food is produced and finding a solution to obtaining food in the future has been a key issue to our  
project. Furthermore, the ethical and social aspects to our project are decisive to include.<br><br>
project. Furthermore, the ethical and social aspects to our project are decisive to include.<br><br>
-
<span class="intro">This means that we</span> have considered what good research is. Good research includes the common opinion
+
<span class="intro">This means that we have considered</span> what good research is. Good research includes the common opinion
-
in society, and for this reason outreach in Ghana provided understanding of different standpoints to our  
+
in society, and for this reason outreach in Ghana provided us with different standpoints to our  
project.<br><br>
project.<br><br>
</p>
</p>
-
<h4>Interview, Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei:</h4>
+
<h4>Interview with Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei:</h4>
<p>
<p>
-
<span class="intro">Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry,</span> Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei (Dr. Yaa), agreed to meet with our team member, Anne,  
+
<a class="popupImg alignRight" style="width:320px" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/2/22/2014SDUghana1.PNG" title="Dr. Yaa Difie-Osie from the National Biosafety Committee, Ghana.">
-
during her stay in the capital of Ghana Accra in August. The purpose was to talk about GMOs in relation  
+
  <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/2/22/2014SDUghana1.PNG" style="width:320px" />
 +
Dr. Yaa Difie-Osie from the National Biosafety Committee, Ghana.
 +
</a>
 +
 
 +
<span class="intro">Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry,</span> Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei (Dr. Yaa), agreed to meet with our team member Anne,  
 +
during her stay in the capital of Ghana, Accra, in August. The purpose was to talk about GMOs in relation  
to our Edible coli. The interview was held at the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology  
to our Edible coli. The interview was held at the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology  
-
at the University of Ghana, Legon. Dr. Yaa had previously worked at the university herself but was retired  
+
at the University of Ghana in Legon. Dr. Yaa has previously worked at the university herself but is now retired  
-
from her position as lecturer. Unlike most who retire due to many years of service, Dr. Yaa is still involved in  
+
from her position as lecturer. Dr. Yaa is still involved in  
the development of synthetic biology in Ghana as a member of the National Biosafety Committee of Ghana.  
the development of synthetic biology in Ghana as a member of the National Biosafety Committee of Ghana.  
The fact that Dr. Yaa has much experience regarding synthetic biology and at the same time is a member of  
The fact that Dr. Yaa has much experience regarding synthetic biology and at the same time is a member of  
-
the National Biosafety Committee means that her expertise relates brilliantly to our project.<br><br>
+
the National Biosafety Committee makes her expertise significant to our project.<br><br>
-
<span class="intro">When Dr. Yaa heard</span> about our iGEM project she expressed great interest and there was a clear  
+
<span class="intro">When Dr. Yaa heard about</span> our iGEM project she expressed great interest and there was a clear  
-
understanding or acknowledgement of the concepts of iGEM or both. Dr. Yaa spoke very passionately of  
+
understanding and acknowledgement of the concepts of iGEM. Dr. Yaa spoke very passionately of  
-
GMOs and made it clear that GMOs would be an essential solution to malnutrition, which is a recurring  
+
GMOs and made it clear that GMOs would be a considerable solution to malnutrition, which is a recurring  
-
motif in Ghana. As a member of the Safety Committee Dr. Yaa had recently contributed to the approval of  
+
motif in Ghana. As a member of the Safety Committee, Dr. Yaa had recently contributed to the approval of  
-
four GMO projects in Ghana. The four GMO projects includes protein rich sweet potato and cotton with  
+
four GMO projects in Ghana. The four GMO projects include protein rich sweet potato and cotton with  
pesticides integrated into the genom (BT-cotton). The projects have got permits to do research but the research  
pesticides integrated into the genom (BT-cotton). The projects have got permits to do research but the research  
will be subject to strict rules concerning biosafety, management of risks in biochemistry and national  
will be subject to strict rules concerning biosafety, management of risks in biochemistry and national  
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     A.A. Adenle et al.: Status of development, regulation and adoption of GM agriculture in Africa: Views and positions of stakeholder groups. Food Policy. 2013:43,159-166.
     A.A. Adenle et al.: Status of development, regulation and adoption of GM agriculture in Africa: Views and positions of stakeholder groups. Food Policy. 2013:43,159-166.
<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919213001346" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span><br><br>
<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919213001346" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span><br><br>
-
<span class="intro">Dr. Yaa Spoke of</span> GMO as an important step forward. The positive effects of GMOs relating to farmers as
+
<span class="intro">Dr. Yaa spoke of GMO</span> as an important step forward. The positive effects of GMOs related to farmers and the general population of Ghana were among others the following:<br><br>
-
well as the general population of Ghana where among others as following:<br><br>
+
<b>Farmers:</b>
-
Farmers:
+
<ul>
<ul>
-
<li>Reduce of chemicals in farming</li>
+
<li>Reduction of chemicals in farming</li>
<li>Improvement of health</li>
<li>Improvement of health</li>
<li>Saving time for the farmers</li>
<li>Saving time for the farmers</li>
<li>Saving tractor fuel, in relation to Green House Gasses.</li>
<li>Saving tractor fuel, in relation to Green House Gasses.</li>
-
</ul><br><br>
+
</ul><br>
-
General population:
+
<b>General population:</b>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>Nutritional balance</li>
<li>Nutritional balance</li>
<li>Prevention of children suffering from malnutrition</li>
<li>Prevention of children suffering from malnutrition</li>
<li>Improvement of health</li>
<li>Improvement of health</li>
-
<li>Reduction of intolerance, as example lactose intolerance was given, where GMO could be
+
<li>Reduction of intolerance. As an example lactose intolerance was given, where GMO could be
accommodated by producing milk containing lactase, which is an enzyme one lacks when  
accommodated by producing milk containing lactase, which is an enzyme one lacks when  
lactose  
lactose  
-
<span class="sourceReference"> intolerance</span>
+
<span class="sourceReference"> intolerant</span>
<span class="tooltip">
<span class="tooltip">
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
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Annu.Rev.Genet,2003.37:197-219.
Annu.Rev.Genet,2003.37:197-219.
<a href="http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.143820" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></li>
<a href="http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.143820" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span></li>
-
</ul><br><br>
+
</ul><br>
-
<span class="intro">There is much focus</span> on the fact that child health has improved in Ghana due to the decrease in child
+
<span class="intro">There is much focus on the fact</span> that child mortality has decreased due to improvement in
-
mortality
+
<span class="sourceReference"> child health.</span>
-
<span class="sourceReference"> rate,</span>
+
<span class="tooltip">
<span class="tooltip">
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
     Child Mortality Estimates, 2014: Under-five mortality rate
     Child Mortality Estimates, 2014: Under-five mortality rate
<a href="http://www.childmortality.org/index.php?r=site/graph&ID=GHA_Ghana" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span>
<a href="http://www.childmortality.org/index.php?r=site/graph&ID=GHA_Ghana" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span>
-
although the nutritional status of children in Ghana still remains a  
+
Meanwhile the nutritional status of children in Ghana still remains a  
<span class="sourceReference"> challenge.</span>
<span class="sourceReference"> challenge.</span>
<span class="tooltip">
<span class="tooltip">
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
   <span class="tooltipHeader">Source:</span>
     World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance.
     World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance.
-
<a href="http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_gha_en.pdf?ua=1" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span><br><br>
+
<a href="http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_gha_en.pdf?ua=1" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span>
-
<span class="intro">By introducing GMOs this</span> issue could potentially be reduced. However, the ethical aspects of introducing  
+
<img align="right" src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/e/e4/2014SDUghana13.png" style="width:250px" />
-
GMOs as relief-aid for hunger or malnutrition or both must be subject to consideration, according to Dr.  
+
By introducing GMOs this issue could potentially be reduced. However, the ethical aspects of introducing  
-
Yaa. Personally, Dr. Yaa did not think of GMO as ethically incorrect if the purpose was relief of hunger or  
+
GMOs as relief-aid for hunger or malnutrition must be subject to consideration, according to Dr.  
-
malnutrition or both. However, it would be necessary to educate any population so they would have a basis
+
Yaa. Personally, Dr. Yaa did not think of GMO as unethical if the purpose was relief of hunger or  
-
of decision regarding the use of GMOs as a nutrition source.<br><br>
+
malnutrition. However, it would be necessary to educate the population so that they would have a foundation for decisions regarding the use of GMOs as a nutrition source.
-
 
+
Dr. Yaa mentioned the importance of considering indications producing genetically modified
-
<span class="intro">Dr. Yaa mentioned the</span> importance of considering indications for an idea of any genetically modified
+
organism. The hypothetical GMO should have relevance in a way that promises improvement of lifestyle or  
organism. The hypothetical GMO should have relevance in a way that promises improvement of lifestyle or  
-
brings good quality to something or both.<br><br>
+
brings good quality to something.
-
 
+
Furthermore, it would be necessary to demonstrate the safety of the GMO. This would include risk  
-
<span class="intro">Furthermore, it would be</span> necessary to demonstrate the safety of the GMO. This would include risk  
+
assessments such as inspection of the organism when separated from its natural surroundings. It would  
assessments such as inspection of the organism when separated from its natural surroundings. It would  
-
furthermore be crucial that the commercial releases were informative so that the consumers would receive  
+
additionally be crucial that the commercial releases were informative so that the consumers would receive  
the essential information.<br><br>
the essential information.<br><br>
-
Professor George Armah (Prof. Armah) was head of the Electron Microscopy & Histopathology department
+
<span class="intro">According to Dr Yaa</span> the objections to GMOs seen from a religious point of view could be a problem in the
-
at the Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon. Currently Prof. Armah
+
beginning but it would not persist. Consequently, development of GMOs would entail that the genes, which
-
is the Master of Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.<br><br>
+
were used to modify the organisms, should be picked with concern. For instance, genes from a pig would
 +
cause a revolt coming from the religious community.<br><br>
-
Prof. Armah has much expert knowledge about the health profile of the Ghanaians as well as the condition  
+
<h4>Interview with Prof. George Armah</h4>
-
of life in Ghana. Therefore, Prof. Armah was an interesting scientist to interview in connection with  
+
<p>
 +
<a class="popupImg alignRight" style="width:320px" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/50/2014SDUghana2.PNG" title="Professor George Armah (on the left) from the Noguchi memorial institute for medical research and Anne Katrine Kurtzhals (on the right) from our iGEM team.">
 +
  <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/50/2014SDUghana2.PNG" style="width:320px" />
 +
Professor George Armah (on the left) from the Noguchi memorial institute for medical research and Anne Katrine Kurtzhals (on the right) from our iGEM team.
 +
</a>
 +
 
 +
<span class="intro">Professor George Armah</span> (Prof. Armah) was head of the Electron Microscopy & Histopathology department
 +
at the Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon. Currently Prof. Armah
 +
is the Master of Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.
 +
Prof. Armah has a lot of expert knowledge about the health profile of the Ghanaians as well as the condition  
 +
of life in Ghana. For this reason, Prof. Armah was an interesting scientist to interview in connection with  
applications of Edible coli in malnourished countries.<br><br>
applications of Edible coli in malnourished countries.<br><br>
-
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah believed that</span> the Edible coli could have potential in Ghana. The main issue would be to
+
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah said that</span> he believe that the Edible coli could have potential in Ghana. The main issue would be to
-
introduce the product as a new source of nutrition. According to Prof. Armah it would be decisive whether
+
introduce the product as a new source of nutrition. According to Prof. Armah it would be crucial to include
-
the Edible coli could be included in the Ghanaian gastronomy. Prof. Armah proposed that a genetically
+
the Edible coli in the Ghanaian gastronomy. He sees it as unlikely that people will change their way of life. Therefore, GMOs should be incorporated into food such as sweet potato, rice etc.<br><br>
-
modified nutrition source in combination with an already existing nutrition source would make the most
+
-
sense. His argument was that it seemed unlikely to change the way people live. Therefore, GMOs should be  
+
-
incorporated into food such as sweet potato, rice etc.<br><br>
+
-
Prof. Armah spoke of two important aspects of malnutrition in Ghana:
+
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah spoke of</span> two important aspects of malnutrition in Ghana:
-
<ol>
+
<ul>
-
<li>The spoilage of food was mentioned an issue in Ghana. Lack of food is not a problem in Ghana
+
<li>The spoilage of food was mentioned as an issue. In Ghana the access to food is not a
-
compared to the proportion of nutrient. Depending on the geographical location, the people eat  
+
problem. However, malnourishment is a persistent dilemma throughout the county. Depending on the geographical location, the people eat  
-
differently. In the southern part of Ghana the population primarily eat fish and fufu. Fufu is a  
+
differently. In the southern part of Ghana, the population primarily eat fish and fufu. Fufu is a  
staple food made from the cassava plant and this is rich on carbohydrates. The population in the  
staple food made from the cassava plant and this is rich on carbohydrates. The population in the  
-
northern part of Ghana have lots of vegetables and chicken, and therefore they do not get the  
+
northern part of Ghana has lots of vegetables and chicken, and therefore they do not get the  
-
recommended ratio of omega fattyacids.</li>
+
recommended ratio of &omega; fatty acids.</li>
-
<li>The second issue Prof. Armah spoke of was tradition and cultural practices of Ghana. As mentioned,
+
<li>The second issue Prof. Armah spoke of was the traditional and cultural practices of Ghana. As mentioned,
-
food available is different according to regions in Ghana. In addition to this, the different regions
+
there are regional differences of food supply. Furthermore, human beings do not
-
have different ingredients that they use for their traditional dishes. Furthermore, people act have
+
necessarily prioritize out of common sense but rather act in accordance with tradition and delight.</li>
-
different priority or tradition of daily diet or both.</li>
+
</ul><br>
-
</ol><br><br>
+
-
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah clarified the</span> two aspects by giving examples from the northern part of Ghana. Traditionally  
+
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah illustrated his points with</span> the two aspects by giving examples from the northern part of Ghana. Traditionally children are forbidden to eat eggs, which is a contradiction to the fact that children particularly need good nutrition to encourage their
-
children cannot eat eggs, which is a contradiction to the fact that children need good nutrition for proper development and
+
<span class="sourceReference"> growth.</span>
<span class="sourceReference"> growth.</span>
Line 153: Line 201:
Cognitive Development, and Immune Responses in Infants and Children Up to 2 Years of Age in Resource-
Cognitive Development, and Immune Responses in Infants and Children Up to 2 Years of Age in Resource-
Poor Environments. Clin Infect Dis,2014:59(4),193-206.
Poor Environments. Clin Infect Dis,2014:59(4),193-206.
-
<a href="http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/59/suppl_4/S193.long#sec-28" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span><br><br>
+
<a href="http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/59/suppl_4/S193.long#sec-28" target="_blank">(Link)</a></span>
-
The reason for this was that children become impertinent if they eat eggs.<br>
+
This tradition was based on a general attitude about children becoming impertinent when they were given
-
Another example from the northern part of Ghana was that most men would rather sell a chicken instead
+
nutrient-rich food. Another example from the northern part of Ghana was that most men would rather sell a chicken instead
-
of eating it. Instead, the men would choose to buy alcohol.<br><br>
+
of eating it with the intention of buying alcohol. <br><br>
-
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah told about</span> the problems considering malnutrition as localized. Cultural and educational
+
<span class="intro">Prof. Armah refered to the problems</span> considering malnourishment as localized. Cultural and educational
practices where mentioned as issues in relation to the application of GMOs. According to Prof. Armah the  
practices where mentioned as issues in relation to the application of GMOs. According to Prof. Armah the  
-
rural areas of Ghana did not take interest in synthetic biology due to the lack of education.<br><br>
+
rural areas of Ghana did not take interest in synthetic biology due to the lack of education.
 +
Objections to the use of synthetic biology were not linked to religion or culture according
 +
to Prof. Armah. Thereby GMOs might not be rejected based on religious and social reasons, but on the fact that the population might not embrace a foreign initiative.<br><br>
 +
</p>
-
Objections to the use of synthetic biology did not have anything to do with religion or culture according
+
<p>
-
to Prof. Armah. The culture and tradition in society would have the greatest influence on the population.  
+
<div class="imageGallery alignCenter">
-
Thereby GMOs might not be rejected based on a religious or social point of view or both. The resentment
+
 
-
against synthetic biology would rather be on the basis on the fact that the population might not embrace a  
+
 
-
foreign initiative.
+
<a class="galleryImg" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/8/80/2014SDUghana7.PNG" title="Woman selling water in Volta region.">
 +
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/9/94/2014SDUghana12.PNG"></a>
 +
 
 +
<a class="galleryImg" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/f/f2/2014SDUghana3.PNG" title="Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.">
 +
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/f/f8/2014SDUghana8.PNG"></a>
 +
 
 +
<a class="galleryImg" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/9/9f/2014SDUghana4.PNG" title="Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon.">
 +
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/2/20/2014SDUghana9.PNG"></a>
 +
 
 +
<a class="galleryImg" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/4/41/2014SDUghana5.PNG" title="Local children at lake Bosuntwi.">
 +
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/0/09/2014SDUghana10.PNG"></a>
 +
 
 +
<a class="galleryImg" target="_blank" href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/4/48/2014SDUghana6.PNG" title="Market in Kumasi, Ghana.">
 +
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/52/2014SDUghana11.PNG"></a>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Pictures from Ghana.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
</div>
 +
<br><br>
</p>
</p>
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Latest revision as of 03:00, 18 October 2014

An expert opinion


Outreach in Ghana

Facts about Ghana

Geographic location: Coastal country of West Africa
Population: 25,366,000 Source: World Health Organization, 2014: WHO African region: Ghana. (Link)
Population under 15 years: 38.59 % Source: World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance: Ghana. (Link)
Nutritional status of children: 28% are stunted, 9% wasted and 14% underweight. Source: World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance: Ghana. (Link)
Diet: Starchy roots, fruit and edible grains. Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana. (Link)
Coverage needs (micronutrients and vitamins): Primarily iodine and vitamin A. Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana. (Link)
Causes of mortality: Bad access to health services, safe water and sanitation. High incidence of Malaria. Malnutrition. Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2010: Nutrition Country Profile: Ghana. (Link)
When generating nutrition made of bacteria our team pointed it's contribution to the considerable task of providing accurate nutrient to developing countries. The contradiction between a common opinion of how food is produced and finding a solution to obtaining food in the future has been a key issue to our project. Furthermore, the ethical and social aspects to our project are decisive to include.

This means that we have considered what good research is. Good research includes the common opinion in society, and for this reason outreach in Ghana provided us with different standpoints to our project.

Interview with Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei:

Dr. Yaa Difie-Osie from the National Biosafety Committee, Ghana. Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Dr. Yaa Difie-Osei (Dr. Yaa), agreed to meet with our team member Anne, during her stay in the capital of Ghana, Accra, in August. The purpose was to talk about GMOs in relation to our Edible coli. The interview was held at the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ghana in Legon. Dr. Yaa has previously worked at the university herself but is now retired from her position as lecturer. Dr. Yaa is still involved in the development of synthetic biology in Ghana as a member of the National Biosafety Committee of Ghana. The fact that Dr. Yaa has much experience regarding synthetic biology and at the same time is a member of the National Biosafety Committee makes her expertise significant to our project.

When Dr. Yaa heard about our iGEM project she expressed great interest and there was a clear understanding and acknowledgement of the concepts of iGEM. Dr. Yaa spoke very passionately of GMOs and made it clear that GMOs would be a considerable solution to malnutrition, which is a recurring motif in Ghana. As a member of the Safety Committee, Dr. Yaa had recently contributed to the approval of four GMO projects in Ghana. The four GMO projects include protein rich sweet potato and cotton with pesticides integrated into the genom (BT-cotton). The projects have got permits to do research but the research will be subject to strict rules concerning biosafety, management of risks in biochemistry and national biosafety. Source: A.A. Adenle et al.: Status of development, regulation and adoption of GM agriculture in Africa: Views and positions of stakeholder groups. Food Policy. 2013:43,159-166. (Link)

Dr. Yaa spoke of GMO as an important step forward. The positive effects of GMOs related to farmers and the general population of Ghana were among others the following:

Farmers:

  • Reduction of chemicals in farming
  • Improvement of health
  • Saving time for the farmers
  • Saving tractor fuel, in relation to Green House Gasses.

General population:
  • Nutritional balance
  • Prevention of children suffering from malnutrition
  • Improvement of health
  • Reduction of intolerance. As an example lactose intolerance was given, where GMO could be accommodated by producing milk containing lactase, which is an enzyme one lacks when lactose intolerant Source: Swallow, D.M.: Genetics of Lactase Persistence and Lactoseintolerance. Annu.Rev.Genet,2003.37:197-219. (Link)

There is much focus on the fact that child mortality has decreased due to improvement in child health. Source: Child Mortality Estimates, 2014: Under-five mortality rate (Link) Meanwhile the nutritional status of children in Ghana still remains a challenge. Source: World Health Organization, 2014: Country Cooperation Strategy at a glance. (Link) By introducing GMOs this issue could potentially be reduced. However, the ethical aspects of introducing GMOs as relief-aid for hunger or malnutrition must be subject to consideration, according to Dr. Yaa. Personally, Dr. Yaa did not think of GMO as unethical if the purpose was relief of hunger or malnutrition. However, it would be necessary to educate the population so that they would have a foundation for decisions regarding the use of GMOs as a nutrition source. Dr. Yaa mentioned the importance of considering indications producing genetically modified organism. The hypothetical GMO should have relevance in a way that promises improvement of lifestyle or brings good quality to something. Furthermore, it would be necessary to demonstrate the safety of the GMO. This would include risk assessments such as inspection of the organism when separated from its natural surroundings. It would additionally be crucial that the commercial releases were informative so that the consumers would receive the essential information.

According to Dr Yaa the objections to GMOs seen from a religious point of view could be a problem in the beginning but it would not persist. Consequently, development of GMOs would entail that the genes, which were used to modify the organisms, should be picked with concern. For instance, genes from a pig would cause a revolt coming from the religious community.

Interview with Prof. George Armah

Professor George Armah (on the left) from the Noguchi memorial institute for medical research and Anne Katrine Kurtzhals (on the right) from our iGEM team. Professor George Armah (Prof. Armah) was head of the Electron Microscopy & Histopathology department at the Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon. Currently Prof. Armah is the Master of Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, Legon. Prof. Armah has a lot of expert knowledge about the health profile of the Ghanaians as well as the condition of life in Ghana. For this reason, Prof. Armah was an interesting scientist to interview in connection with applications of Edible coli in malnourished countries.

Prof. Armah said that he believe that the Edible coli could have potential in Ghana. The main issue would be to introduce the product as a new source of nutrition. According to Prof. Armah it would be crucial to include the Edible coli in the Ghanaian gastronomy. He sees it as unlikely that people will change their way of life. Therefore, GMOs should be incorporated into food such as sweet potato, rice etc.

Prof. Armah spoke of two important aspects of malnutrition in Ghana:

  • The spoilage of food was mentioned as an issue. In Ghana the access to food is not a problem. However, malnourishment is a persistent dilemma throughout the county. Depending on the geographical location, the people eat differently. In the southern part of Ghana, the population primarily eat fish and fufu. Fufu is a staple food made from the cassava plant and this is rich on carbohydrates. The population in the northern part of Ghana has lots of vegetables and chicken, and therefore they do not get the recommended ratio of ω fatty acids.
  • The second issue Prof. Armah spoke of was the traditional and cultural practices of Ghana. As mentioned, there are regional differences of food supply. Furthermore, human beings do not necessarily prioritize out of common sense but rather act in accordance with tradition and delight.

Prof. Armah illustrated his points with the two aspects by giving examples from the northern part of Ghana. Traditionally children are forbidden to eat eggs, which is a contradiction to the fact that children particularly need good nutrition to encourage their growth. Source: The MAL-ED Network Investigators: The MAL-ED Study: A Multinational and Multidisciplinary Approach to Understand the Relationship Between Enteric Pathogens, Malnutrition, Gut Physiology, Physical Growth, Cognitive Development, and Immune Responses in Infants and Children Up to 2 Years of Age in Resource- Poor Environments. Clin Infect Dis,2014:59(4),193-206. (Link) This tradition was based on a general attitude about children becoming impertinent when they were given nutrient-rich food. Another example from the northern part of Ghana was that most men would rather sell a chicken instead of eating it with the intention of buying alcohol.

Prof. Armah refered to the problems considering malnourishment as localized. Cultural and educational practices where mentioned as issues in relation to the application of GMOs. According to Prof. Armah the rural areas of Ghana did not take interest in synthetic biology due to the lack of education. Objections to the use of synthetic biology were not linked to religion or culture according to Prof. Armah. Thereby GMOs might not be rejected based on religious and social reasons, but on the fact that the population might not embrace a foreign initiative.

Pictures from Ghana.