Genomics and genetic disorders : Prof. Seydou Doumbia selected for the WHO Expert Meeting
The who expert meeting on Genomics and Genetic Disorders, was held from 8 to 11 April 2019, at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
At least thirty international experts from different regions, including Prof. Seydou Doumbia, and representatives of WHO collaborating centres on genetics, took part in this high-level meeting. These have been working with the Department of Service Delivery and Safety, with a broad mix of scientific expertise and practical experience in human genomics, genetics, ethics, and public health.
Genomics is a rapidly progressing area in health care. Numerous researchers are involved in generating scientific evidence and new technologies are being developed with the aim of improving both disease prevention and treatment. This cutting edge knowledge and progress made by genomic scientists over the past few years should benefit not only high-income countries but all populations in need.
WHO has published key documents on genetic diseases and genomics and the World Health Assembly has adopted four important resolutions such as : Genomics and World Health (2004), Sickle-cell anaemia (2006), Thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies (2006), Birth defects (2010).
In this meeting, the experts shared on-going work in the different regions, set priorities in particular of LMICs, provided input that may inform the development of a WHO roadmap on genetics and genomics. They also reviewed a draft of a basic on-line course on genetics and genomics.
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