ABUJA, Nigeria – The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) has launched a sensitisation drive to equip health officials with accurate knowledge on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The one-day workshop in Abuja brought together Directorate Officers from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to counter misinformation and promote evidence-based communication.
Representing the DG of the National Biotechnology Research Agency, Dr. Oyedele Julius, stressed that health workers must understand GMO technology to better inform the public.
“Reduced crop losses mean a more stable food supply, lower food prices and fewer nutrition shocks. Reduced pesticide uses lowers public-health risks to rural communities and agricultural workers.
“It is therefore appropriate that we deliberate here, with officers of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on harmonised messages that protect consumers, inform clinicians and empower public servants to communicate clearly and confidently,” he said.
Representative of the Director of Food and Drug Services and National Coordinator of the Food Safety and Quality Programme at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,Mr John Atanda said the sensitisation was timely, especially as media debates on the safety of biotechnology remain at the forefront.
“The Ministry leadership team participates effectively in the national dialogue and policymaking on the safe and beneficial adoption of modern food safety and nutrition technologies.
“Today, we stand at an important crossroads where various interpretations for and against the use of modern biotechnology have made media rounds and caused some sensational headlines. We believe that by working together, we can transform the way biotechnology is perceived and applied within our nation, ensuring that innovations like genetically modified organisms (GMOS) contribute meaningfully to our food security and nutritional advancement.”
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