Issued by Department of Health
22-26 August 2005
South Africa has proposed to the World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa Dr Luis Sambo that matters relating to stem cell harvesting, banking, distribution and research should be under complete control of governments, and not private individuals or the private sector.
“Ministers of Health should have the authority over the research, storage and approval of cell banks. The use and disposal of embryonic tissue, even though only those less than 14 days old foetuses may be used, also needs strict control,” said Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
The Minister made the intervention at the 55 th Session of the WHO-AFRO Regional Committee in Maputo this morning (Thurs) as part of ongoing international debate on cloning for therapeutic (non-reproductive) and research purposes, and its implications to the health status of the general population.
“ South Africa would therefore like to urge WHO to pronounce itself clearly on this matter, especially around the issue of banking of stem cells. As South Africa we are currently discussing these matters in our Cabinet, and would welcome more input and advice from others,” Dr Tshabalala-Msimang, said.
The Minister acknowledged that it was difficult to regulate people’s unethical behaviour or greed.
“WHO should therefore give guidance to member states regarding this issue because many member states grapple with similar issues,” she said. Most countries in Africa do not have specific regulations and policies regarding genetic manipulations for therapeutic and research purposes.
Cloning of human beings in South Africa is banned as is internationally accepted. Cloning may only be used for therapeutic and related research. The WHO position on cloning, as adopted in 1997 by 35 countries including South Africa states “the use of cloning for the replication of human individuals is ethically unacceptable and contrary to human integrity and morality”.
The government of South Africa is aware of private groupings, which are already applying for licences to establish stem cell banks in the country. There is no law that forbids them from establishing stem cell banks.
Contact: Charity Bhengu 083 679 7424 or (012) 312 0420