Genomics research in Africa and its impact on global health: insights from African researchers.
Genomics research in Africa and its impact on global health: insights from African researchers.
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DOI：
10.1017/gheg.2018.3
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发表时间：
2018
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
de Vries J
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Munung NS;Mayosi BM;de Vries J
非洲可能正在走向基因组医学时代。人们还期望基因组学可能在减少全球健康不平等方面发挥作用。然而，由于几乎缺乏针对非洲人口的基因组学研究，人们担心基因组学可能会扩大而不是缩小全球健康不平等差距。为了防止可能出现的基因组学分歧，基因组学“革命”已扩展到非洲。其部分原因是非洲丰富的遗传多样性和高疾病负担。然而，目前尚不清楚的是在非洲使用基因组技术进行医疗保健的前景。在这项定性研究中，我们探讨了 17 名非洲基因组学研究人员对非洲基因组医学的前景和挑战的看法。受访者是参与非洲基因组学研究项目的非洲研究人员。深度访谈分析表明，基因组医学可能对疾病监测、诊断、治疗和预防产生影响。然而，非洲基因组医学的能力、当前基因组学的研究重点以及研究成果的转化将是影响基因组医学改善非洲医疗保健能力的关键决定因素。
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.