Genomics research in Africa and its impact on global health: insights from African researchers.

N S Munung,B M Mayosi,J De Vries

doi:10.1017/gheg.2018.3

N S Munung, B M Mayosi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1017/gheg.2018.3

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Abstract

Africa may be heading for an era of genomics medicine. There are also expectations that genomics may play a role in reducing global health inequities. However, the near lack of genomics studies on African populations has led to concerns that genomics may widen, rather than close, the global health inequity gap. To prevent a possible genomics divide, the genomics 'revolution' has been extended to Africa. This is motivated, in part, by Africa's rich genetic diversity and high disease burden. What remains unclear, however, are the prospects of using genomics technology for healthcare in Africa. In this qualitative study, we explored the views of 17 genomics researchers in Africa on the prospects and challenges of genomics medicine in Africa. Interviewees were researchers in Africa who were involved in genomics research projects in Africa. Analysis of in-depth interviews suggest that genomics medicine may have an impact on disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. However, Africa's capacity for genomics medicine, current research priorities in genomics and the translation of research findings will be key defining factors impacting on the ability of genomics medicine to improve healthcare in Africa.

Highlights

Genomics medicine will likely be a key component of future healthcare
Global health research consortia in Africa can advance the ideals of health justice through: setting research priorities that are of benefit to worse-off populations; building capacity for health research; and having a translation plan on how the outcomes of genomics research may be used to influence policy and practice [36, 44]
This may be a challenge for genomic research consortia in Africa, especially as most African countries are yet to articulate their health and health research priorities

Summary

Introduction

Genomics medicine will likely be a key component of future healthcare. It is tipped to make significant contributions to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases [1]. There is heightened enthusiasm on the role genomics could play in reducing global health inequities, especially following the completion of the human genome project [5] and the complete sequencing of African genomes [6]. Despite this enthusiasm, some have cautioned that much still needs to be done before genomics medicine will be a reality in Africa and eventually contribute to improving global heath equity [7,8,9,10]. The promise of most genomics and biobanking initiatives in Africa is to overcome some of these challenges; to extend the genomics revolution to Africa; and to use genomics as a tool to reducing global health inequities [11,12,13]

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