1
|
Moyo E, Moyo P, Mashe T, Dzobo M, Chitungo I, Dzinamarira T. Implementation of Public Health Genomics in Africa: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges, and recommendations. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28295. [PMID: 36366938 PMCID: PMC9877907 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Public Health Genomics (PHG) is a relatively new field. The wide application of genomic technologies played a pivotal role in elucidating the full genomic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This breakthrough proved to be the starting point in the manufacture of diagnostic kits and the subsequent making of vaccines. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, many African countries can take advantage of the various investments in genomic technologies to introduce and intensify the use of genomics for public health gain. Public Health Genomics effectively monitors, prevents, and manages non-communicable and infectious diseases. However, there are several challenges to implementing PHG in Africa. In this perspective article, we discuss the utilization of PHG during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lessons learned from using PHG to manage and contain the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential challenges Africa may face when putting PHG into practice compared to challenges of other regions. We also discuss our recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enos Moyo
- Medical Centre OshakatiOshakatiNamibia
| | | | | | - Mathias Dzobo
- School of Health Systems and Public HealthUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Itai Chitungo
- College of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of ZimbabweHarareZimbabwe
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public HealthUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jaffal L, Mrad Z, Ibrahim M, Salami A, Audo I, Zeitz C, El Shamieh S. The research output of rod-cone dystrophy genetics. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:175. [PMID: 35461258 PMCID: PMC9034540 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-syndromic rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) is the most common condition in inherited retinal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the research output and productivity related to RCD genetics per countries as classified by the human development index (HDI), by analyzing publication frequency and citations, the choice of journals and publishers, since 2000 to date. We have also analyzed the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in publications originating from countries with different HDIs. One thousand four hundred articles focusing on non-syndromic RCD were downloaded and analyzed. Citations and published articles were adjusted per one million individuals. The research output is significantly higher in very high HDI countries (86% of the total publications and 95% of the citations) than countries with lower HDIs in all aspects. High and medium HDI countries published together 13.6% of the total articles worldwide and received 4.6% of the citations. On the publication level, the USA (26%), United Kingdom (10%), and Japan (7%) were the top 3 among very high HDI countries, while China (6%) and India (2%) ranked first in high and medium HDI countries respectively. On the citation level, similar profiles were found. Following adjustment for population size, Switzerland (~14%), Jordan (~ 1%) and Morocco (<0.2%) showed the highest rates of publications in very high, high and medium HDI countries respectively. Very high HDI countries published 71% of their papers in first quartile journals (first quartile in Scimago journal rank; Q1), and 23% in Q2 journals. High and medium HDI countries showed a similar profile in quartiles with ~ 40% of their papers published in Q1 journals and ~ 30% in Q2 journals. The first publication using NGS was issued in 2009 in very high HDI countries, while it appeared in 2012 in high HDI countries, and in 2017 in medium HDI countries, with a respective lag of 3 to 8 years compared to very high HDI countries. A profound gap exists between very high HDI countries and the rest of the world. To fill it in, we propose implementing NGS, supporting international collaborations, building capacities and infrastructures, improving accessibility of patients to services, and increasing national and international funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lama Jaffal
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zamzam Mrad
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Ibrahim
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Ali Salami
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO Des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France.,University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - Said El Shamieh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Riaz M, Tiller J, Ajmal M, Azam M, Qamar R, Lacaze P. Implementation of public health genomics in Pakistan. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:1485-1492. [PMID: 31101884 PMCID: PMC6777461 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0428-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been considerable recent progress in the implementation of public health genomics policy throughout the developed world. However, in the developing world, genetic services still remain limited, or unavailable to most. Here, we discuss challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of public health genomics in developing countries. We focus on Pakistan, a country with one of the world's highest rates of inter-family marriages and prevalence of inherited genetic conditions. Pakistan still lacks a national newborn screening programme, clinical genetic testing services, or public health genomics framework. The medical infrastructure in Pakistan, characterized by limited publicly-funded health services and a significant burden of infectious disease, may contribute to de-prioritization of genetic health services. In addition, there are a number of societal, cultural and religious factors to consider. Recently a number of large research studies have been conducted in populations of Pakistani descent, mostly in collaboration with major US, UK and European institutions. Some of these have yielded high-impact scientific findings, but have yet to translate into public health outcomes in Pakistan. Before the benefits of genomics can be realized in developing countries, the first initial steps towards strategic prioritization, resourcing, and long-term goal setting are required. We propose some practical recommendations and possible first steps forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moeen Riaz
- Public Health Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jane Tiller
- Public Health Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Muhammad Ajmal
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Maleeha Azam
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Raheel Qamar
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Paul Lacaze
- Public Health Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|