Ethics of community engagement in field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes. Issue 2 (3rd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Resnik, David B.
• Is Part Of: Developing world bioethics. Volume 18:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2017-05-03
• Subjects: Community engagement -- Developing nations -- Ethics -- Genetic modification -- Mosquitoes -- Public health; Bioethics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical ethics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 174.2091724
• DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-8731

Abstract

Abstract: Effective community engagement is an important legal, ethical, and practical prerequisite for conducting field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes, because these studies can substantially impact communities and it is usually not possible to obtain informed consent from each community member. Researchers who are planning to conduct field trials should develop a robust community engagement strategy that meets widely recognized standards for seeking approval from the affected population, such as timeliness, consent, information sharing, transparency, understanding, responsiveness, mutual understanding, inclusiveness, and respectfulness. Additional research is needed on the effectiveness of different methods of engaging communities in field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes and how to respond to public opposition to genetically modified organisms. For research programs involving the genetic modification of disease vectors to move forward, they must have public acceptance and support, which cannot be achieved without effective community engagement.