National Bio-safety Committee evaluates the development of the Anti-Tick Vaccine
Story by Jacinta Nakaye
To enhance the project’s effectiveness and ensure the successful development of the Anti-Tick Vaccine, the National Biosafety Committee conducted a 2-day evaluation of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Development Project. The audit process was held on 23rd -24th July 2024 at the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health (CEBIGH), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (CoVAB), Makerere University.
The engagements with the audit committee, led by the committee Chairperson, Prof. Noah Kiwanuka focused on project protocol data management, data analysis, laboratory processes, and procedures review, as well as evaluating the efficiency of various project departments.
The National Biosafety Committee (NBC) was established by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) as an independent Technical Committee under section 5 (e) of the UNCST Act (cap 209). It is one of the various bio-safety mechanisms instituted by the government to support the testing and advancement of potentially beneficial genetically engineered organisms. The NBC’s primary purpose is to safeguard individuals, communities, and the environment from potential genetic engineering risks, while also promoting the advantageous application of the technology.
Prof. Enoch Matovu led the National Biosafety Committee tour of the laboratories at CEBIGH where some of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Project research work was carried out.
As concerns grow over tick resistance to existing treatments and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the successful validation of this Anti-tick Vaccine carries immense implications. If proven effective, it has the potential to revolutionize tick control methods and alleviate the burden faced by farmers in Uganda and beyond.
Dr. Margaret Saimo- Kahwa, PI of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Project made a presentation during the audit engagement with the National Biosafety Committee at CoVAB on 23rd July, 2023.
The National Biosafety Committee visits one of the laboratories, the Molecular Biology Laboratory at CoVAB where work on Anti-Tick Vaccine Research and Development was initially being carried out.
Pictorial.
