Global Governing Bodies: A Pathway for Gene Drive Governance for Vector Mosquito Control

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Public Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Gene drive technologies present novel strategies for controlling arthropod-borne diseases.
• These technologies raise unique ethical and safety concerns beyond standard genetically modified organisms.
• Rapid advancements in gene drive research outpace current governance frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine existing institutions and governing bodies for their potential role in gene drive governance.
• To propose adaptive governance strategies for ethically sound policy frameworks.
• To address the need for governance to keep pace with gene drive research for effective public health implementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current international institutions and continental governing bodies.
• Analysis of potential impacts on gene drive governance.
• Identification of gaps in existing policies and proposal of bridging strategies.

Main Results:

• Existing institutions show potential for adaptation to gene drive governance.
• Significant gaps exist between the pace of gene drive research and governance development.
• International collaboration is identified as essential for guiding gene drive technology use.

Conclusions:

• Adaptive governance, ideally developed concurrently with gene drive research, is essential for responsible deployment.
• An international governance network is recommended to guide scientists, stakeholders, and communities.
• Failure to establish timely global accords may lead to independent national advancements, potentially hindering coordinated public health impact.