12th conference of the AfSHG: “Genetics and Human Genomics as a Unifying factor for Harmony and Progress in Africa”

The work of the 12th conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and the 1st Congress of the Malian Society of Human Genetics began the Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Sheraton Hotel in Bamako (see photos) .

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Mahamadou Famanta, in the presence of Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, President of the African Society of Human Genetics, Prof. Mahamadou Traoré, President of the Malian Society of Human Genetics, Prof. Ouaténi Diallo, Rector of the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, and Prof. Seydou Doumbia, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and UCRC Director.

In front of 200 participants, Minister Famanta said, “By developing and deploying appropriate methodological approaches, in an integrated and inclusive continent-wide framework, you should be able to meet the major challenges facing the continent and the world. in particular: The analysis of the structuring of genetic diversity among African peoples, in order to trace their evolutionary histories in relation to their linguistic and cultural differentiation; the study of hereditary diseases, especially emerging ones, and the creation of a widely accessible database “.

Participants from 20 French and English speaking African countries, the United States, Italy and Brazil are gathered in Bamako to reflect and discuss the theme: “Genetics and Human Genomics as a Unifying factor for Harmony and Progress in Africa“. This theme, according to Professor Mahamadou Famanta, is a sufficient proof that science can and must be a source of harmony for progress, peace and social cohesion.

After Professor Traore’s speech, welcoming participants to the African land of Mali, Professor Wonkam indicated that the purpose of this conference was to mobilize the scientific community, especially those working in the field of Human Genetics , to share knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of Human Genetics across the continent. This conference on human genetics was preceded by the Young Investigators Forum with 200 participants including twenty researchers from the UCRC.

This forum was a space for reflection, debate and consultation among the various participants with the objectives of advancing the reflection around the contribution of Genetics in improving the health of populations. During the three days of the conference, interesting presentations mainly focused on the contribution of Genetics in improving the health of populations will be made.