PD 17 - Genomic Data for Global Human Health

Genomics has been the driver for major improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and cancer. While modern genomic medicine is now an integral part of routine healthcare in wealthy nations, this is not the case in low- and middle- income countries, thereby benefitting ‘a privileged few’. Challenges exist due to a focus on health problems of the Global North and concerning the generalizability of research findings from studies predominantly conducted in European-descent patients and populations. Initiatives such as H3Africa have shown the benefit of studying genetically diverse populations for African and global health. Future scalability and trans-ethnic opportunities within a research and healthcare context depend on the development of responsible standards and frameworks for global genomic data sharing and for international capture and exchange of clinical information.

This session is focused on global health problems for which genomics might contribute solutions and opportunities though global genomic data sharing.