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. 2024 Aug;46(4):431-457.
doi: 10.1177/10755470241234048. Epub 2024 Mar 11.

Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement

Sarah Hartley  1 , Aleksandra Stelmach  1 , Chris Opesen  2 , George Ladaah Openjuru  3 , Stella Neema  2
Affiliations

Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement

Sarah Hartley et al. Sci Commun. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Uganda may host the world's first field trials of gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control. Global North discourses pre-suppose African publics have access to information about gene drive and are ready to make decisions about its governance. We explore assumptions about the availability of this information in Uganda. We find a paucity of information available combined with a strong desire for information from lay publics. We discuss these findings in the context of Ugandan information infrastructures and political sensitivities to genetic technologies. If Ugandans are to decide about gene drive, they need independent information about the science to underpin engagement.

Keywords: Uganda; engagement; gene drive mosquitoes; science communication; social justice.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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