This chapter explores how people in different parts of the world react to products of biotechnology. The analysis is based on interviews, conducted by Environics International, with 35 000 consumers from 35 countries. The extent to which the USA and Europe differ in their attitudes to biotechnology is also examined.

This chapter reviews the use of biotechnology in developing drugs and foods with health claims, and some safety and ethical considerations. The role of bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics, nanotechnology approaches, molecular modelling, customized medicine and pharming industry in drug development is described. The impact of globalization and cost of developing biotechnology-derived health care products on affordability and access of these products in Egypt is discussed.

This paper discusses African biosafety regulatory regime for genetically modified organisms in South Africa. The topics included are the regulatory process in South Africa, capacity building in biosafety and national biosafety frameworks.

This chapter reviews the potential of the human genome project, comparative genomics, functional genomics and proteomics in studying the molecular aspects of human health and diseases in Developing Countries. The uses of DNA technology in the molecular diagnosis of infectious and noncommunicable diseases, of gene targeting in gene therapy for genetic and non-genetic disorders, and of pharmacogenomics in developing new drugs are discussed. Some challenges to biotechnology research and development, and the role of international organizations and multinational companies are described.

This article provides a description of different international health organizations and their contributions to the improvement of public health. These organizations include the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and other organizations under UN (UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO). The current challenges faced by the organizations in health promotion, including biotechnology and technology transfer, are discussed briefly.