(Introduction)
In the face of growing global health disparities, the important contribution of science and technology to improving health cannot be overlooked. The fight to improve global health needs, in addition to effective public health measures, requires rapid and efficient diagnostic tools; new vaccines and drugs, efficient delivery methods, and novel approaches to therapeutics; and low-cost restoration of water, soil, and other natural resources. Over the last 100 years, innovations in science and technology have resulted in improved health, quality of life, and a rise in life expectancy worldwide. Yet the benefits of modern medicine have still not reached millions of people in developing countries. It is crucial to recognize that science and technology can be used very effectively in partnership with conventional public health practices in developing countries and can enhance their efficacy.
Biotechnology has tremendous potential to address health and development issues in developing countries if we rise to the challenge (Singer & Daar 2001). The University of Toronto's 2002 report on the "Top 10 Biotechnologies for Improving Health in Developing Countries" (Table) discussed the relevance of genomics and related biotechnologies to health (In this review, we will refer to genomics as the powerful new wave of health-related life sciences energized by the human genome project and the knowledge and tools it is spawning). These 10 biotechnologies have been mapped onto the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to provide a compelling illustration of the potential impact of this exciting new field of science on development (Acharya et al. 2003). Here we review these new and emerging biotechnologies and explore how they can be used to support the goals of developing countries in improving health as well as other development indicators. We will review the study methodology that was used to prioritize the "Top 10 Biotechnologies", and describe each technology in turn. Using relevant examples we will identify ways in which these technologies can be used to achieve specific goals for health and development in developing countries.
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