BCEPS researchers present at Arendalsuka 2024: "New biotechnology to end malaria: a priority for Norwegian aid?"

Four BCEPS researchers presented at an event jointly organised by the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board (Bioteknologirådet) and BCEPS as part of Arendalsuka 2024 on the topic of "New biotechnology to end malaria: a priority for Norwegian aid?"

Arendalsuka is the largest political gathering in Norway, held annually for a week in August since 2012. The event's mission is to strengthen the belief in political empowerment and democracy through open debate and involvement.

Event Focus

Mosquito control programs using genetically modified mosquitoes and more efficient malaria vaccines signal a promising trajectory to end malaria. How should these new malaria measures be prioritized? Who should decide – and pay?

The malaria parasite is a significant global threat, with an annual toll of 250 million falling ill and 600,000 dying from the mosquito-borne disease. Djibouti and Uganda are about to initiate mosquito control programs using genetically modified mosquitoes. Additionally, new malaria vaccines being rolled-out in several African countries, including Cameroon and Burkina Faso.

These biotech advancements signal a promising trajectory for global health, with some foreseeing the potential eradication of malaria. However, biotechnology breakthroughs bring new ethical challenges.

A panel of experts convened by BCEPS and the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board deliberated Norway's role as a global health actor, highlighting the need for international and intersectoral collaboration, global capacity building, and ongoing research, particularly on new biotechnology solutions and their various effects—intended and unintended.

Expert Panelists (in alphabetical order):

• Marianne Aasen, Head of the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board
• Lumbwe Chola, Associate Professor, University of Oslo; Ghana NCD Project Lead, BCEPS, University of Bergen
• Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Special Advisor to the Director General, WHO; Professor and Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania; Workstream Lead, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting in Health, University of Bergen
• Eirik Mofoss, Executive Director, Langsikt (think tank)
• Ole Frithjof Norheim, Professor and Director, BCEPS, University of Bergen
• Lisa Sivertsen, Director, Department for Human Development, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
• Eirik Joakim Tranvåg, Senior Advisor, Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board
• Pakwanja D. Twea, PhD Research Fellow, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting in Health, University of Bergen

Moderator: Mette Risa, Head of Communications, Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board