Public Health Genomics
Policy Statement
Capacity-Building in Human Genetics for Developing Countries: Initiatives and Perspectives in Sub-Saharan AfricaWonkam A.a, b · Muna W.a · Ramesar R.b · Rotimi C.N.c · Newport M.J.daFaculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon; bMRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; cCenter for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., USA; dBrighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK
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Article / Publication Details
Received: June 23, 2009
Accepted: October 16, 2009
Published online: March 23, 2010
Issue release date: December 2010
Number of Print Pages: 3
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 1662-4246 (Print)
eISSN: 1662-8063 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/PHG
Abstract
Background: Stakeholders who are committed to bridge the gap in genetics services need to be aware of current initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We reviewed selected experiences from African geneticists that led to specific recommendations. Results: The initiation of prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia founded the first medical genetic service in Cameroon. There remains a need for international collaborative effort to overcome the lack of human, technical and financial resources around the practice of medical genetics in Africa. The African Society of Human Genetics, Wellcome Trust and NIH have recently proposed a model on how to fully engage Africa in genomics. It includes a ‘Health and disease’ phase I: use of the case-control design to study genetic and epidemiological determinants of 7 important diseases in Africa, and a ‘Genetic variation’ phase II: comprehensive documentation of genetic variations in 100 carefully selected ethnic groups across Africa. The strategy would require the development of: (1) clinical phenotyping centres, (2) molecular phenotyping centres, (3) genotyping and sequencing capability, (4) data centres, and (5) a bio-repository in Africa. Conclusions: Governments and international health agencies need to recognise that genetics is important to the global medical community. The initiatives of African geneticists need advocacy and encouragement from the international community.
© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
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External Resources
- Tishkoff SA, Reed FA, Friedlaender FR, Ehret C, Ranciaro A, Froment A, Hirbo JB, Awomoyi AA, Bodo JM, Doumbo O, Ibrahim M, Juma AT, Kotze MJ, Lema G, Moore JH, Mortensen H, Nyambo TB, Omar SA, Powell K, Pretorius GS, Smith MW, Thera MA, Wambebe C, Weber JL, Williams SM: The genetic structure and history of Africans and African Americans. Science 2009;324:1035–1044.
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External Resources
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Article / Publication Details
Received: June 23, 2009
Accepted: October 16, 2009
Published online: March 23, 2010
Issue release date: December 2010
Number of Print Pages: 3
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 1662-4246 (Print)
eISSN: 1662-8063 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/PHG
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