Biotechnology Addressing Millennium Development Go

Biotechnology Addressing Millennium Development Goals : 

Biotechnology Addressing Millennium Development Goals Source: BIOLIFE Magazine (July-Sept. issue 2005), Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines

Goal1: “Eradicating Extreme Poverty and Hunger” : 

Goal1: “Eradicating Extreme Poverty and Hunger” Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn Reduction of insecticide use Banana tissue culture 10-15% increase in yield GM papaya Virus-resistant Larger fruits Longer productive life Wagwag rice Short maturing Saline tolerant

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Biofertilizers GM sweet potato Increased farm yields Low cost planting materials Reduced pesticide application Lower price of potatoes

Goal 4: To reduce child mortality : 

Goal 4: To reduce child mortality Biotechnology allowed the development of cheaper, safer, more effective and longer lasting vaccines. (recombinant gene technology) Oral recombinant vaccine Newborn screening (P550) Vitamin A rice

Goal 5: To improve maternal health : 

Goal 5: To improve maternal health Biotechnology products enriched with Vitamin A like the golden rice and the GM papaya can be utilized in addressing this goal. In the Philippines, Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem among mothers. (2 in every 10 pregnant women and lactating mothers are Vit. A deficient.

Goal 6: To combat HIV/ AIDS and other diseases : 

Goal 6: To combat HIV/ AIDS and other diseases DNA vaccine studies for influenza, HIV, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera, shigella, and tetanus. Upcoming edible vaccines being developed by UP Manila. Bananas and tomatoes are being studied to fight hepatitis B, diarrhea and typhoid fever

Goal 7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability : 

Goal 7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability Low cost treatment for domestic wastewater using waste material, bacterial additives for increasing biogas production, biogas powered electric system, septic tanks made of recycled plastics and polysterene and used motor oils as additive to diesel fuel for cleaner emissions. Bio reactor for municipal solid waste accelerated composting.

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Biotechnology-based industries Use of enzymes instead of acids in bleaching paper, making stone-washed denims, paper and cotton fabrics. (reduced water use, CO2 emissions, energy use) Crop Biotechnology Pest resistant crops require no use or minimum use of pesticides. Ensures soil stability, Biofertilizers increase the absorption of soil nutrients.

Goal 8: Developing a global partnership for development : 

Goal 8: Developing a global partnership for development DNA analysis and forensics For speedy and fair administration of justice, especially in criminal cases. Powerful, efficient and accurate tool that needs only minute amounts of biological sample.

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Source: Vaccine Cuisine by Dr. Nina Barzaga; technology developers and scientists’ presentations on biotechnology: and the Second Philippines Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals.