Implementation of Public Health Genomics in Africa: Lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic, challenges, and recommendations

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.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in North Africa: 4 years of GISAID data sharing

“…It is highly likely that these metadata are stored within national repositories but are not reported to GISAID to comply with their respective data sharing regulations. Accessing clinical patient information in these countries is further complicated, possibly because of the absence of fully computerized systems in hospitals, making vital information nearly impossible to retrieve [16] , [17] , [18] .…”

ACCESS: an empirically-based framework developed by the International Nursing CASCADE Consortium to address genomic disparities through the nursing workforce

“…The universal shortage of genomic specialists requires that healthcare providers and policymakers seek for novel and sustainable solutions regarding widespread implementation of germline testing. This is in addition to the need for streamlining educational efforts regarding implications of genetic testing, especially for prevention and targeted therapeutics ( Al-Sukhun et al, 2023 ; Brown et al, 2023 ; Moyo et al, 2023 ). Implementation of a systematic guide like the ACCESS framework, and partnering with the nursing workforce who is a major stakeholder in promoting health equity, may facilitate initiatives such as the Rare Genomes Project (RGP) ( Serrano et al, 2023 ) and the Genomic Answers for Kids (GA4K) ( Kane et al, 2023 ) reduce barriers and inequalities for underrepresented patients with rare genomic disorders and for children, respectively.…”

The role of UAE in supporting COVID-19 genomic surveillance across the EMRO for complex emergency countries

“…Logistics and capacity to rapidly commence sequencing, added to lack of expertise, are the primary challenges with these countries. This was further worse in the EMR countries due to the economical and logistical issues posed great challenge in implementing genomics survellience [27][28][29] . In these situations, a huband-spoke model can be adopted to ensure that some data is obtained for these countries to allow for global awareness of the situation being faced.…”