WHO creates expert group to prepare genetic modification studies

GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the creation of a panel of experts to prepare a set of studies on genetic manipulation following the discovery by a Chinese scientist of the birth of two transgenic children for the first time in the world.

The Director General of the World Health Organization, Tidros Adhanom Gibressos, said Monday that any process of genetic modification "can not take place without clear rules".

"WHO will bring together experts and work with member states to discuss standards and procedures that ensure ethical and social security," he told reporters in Geneva.

Chinese researcher Hu Jianqui sparked an international outcry by announcing last week in a video clip on YouTube that two genetically modified twins had been genetically altered to make them resistant to AIDS.

This announcement has aroused resentment in the world that the manipulation of human genes is considered immoral or the manner in which it has been declared without regard to the rules of scientific verification and the procedures applicable to new discoveries. experiences.

The organization did not say that his announcement of forming a group of researchers came in response to what the Chinese researcher had done.

"We have to be very careful, we can not engage in genetic modification without taking into account the undesirable consequences," said Tidros Adhanom Gibressus.

The research group will include researchers, WHO experts and government health officials.