PHA-Exchange> smallpox genetic engineering

[claudio at hcmc.netnam.vn]

URGENT ALERT! TAKE ACTION NOW!
 
STOP SMALLPOX GENETIC ENGINEERING!
 
4 April 2005 
 
Please take action now to stop smallpox genetic engineering! 
 
Visit www.smallpoxbiosafety.org to send a letter to the WHO Director General, 
urging the World Health Assembly to reject a proposal that would permit the 
genetic engineering of smallpox, and to instead ensure that all remaining 
stocks of the virus are destroyed within two years. 
 
The proposal to genetically engineer smallpox, which would also permit 
smallpox genes to be inserted into related poxviruses and the unlimited 
distribution of small segments of smallpox DNA, poses a large number of public 
health, biosafety, and biological weapons risks.
 
The World Health Assembly will discuss the proposal when it meets in Geneva, 
Switzerland from 16-25 May 2005.
 
Every letter counts, so please send one today. This is very easily done by 
going to www.smallpoxbiosafety.org, selecting your language of preference, 
entering the required details, and clicking on the ‘submit’ button.
 
Please also contact your government’s representatives to the WHA. The website 
provides links to national health ministries. The website is available in 
Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
 
Attached are the press release and some background information.

With best wishes,
Third World Network
121-S Jalan Utama
10450 Penang
Malaysia
Email: twnet at po.jaring.my
 


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