Infrastructure and Facilities for Human Biobanking in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Situation Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To collect information on biobanking facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as a first step towards establishing an LMIC biobank and cohort building network (BCNet) to support research, with a focus on cancer control. Method: Sixty centres were identified from sources including cancer centres, universities, hospitals, and public health facilities and invited to participate in a survey between December 2012 and March 2013. Results: Of the 27 centres (45%) that responded, most have existed for <10 years. They store between 1,000 and 1,000,000 research samples as well as samples remaining after clinical diagnosis. Sample storage is mostly in freezers, although 45% (9/20) of the centres do not have regular access to electricity. Biobank managers, sample management systems, and mechanisms for follow-up using linkages are uncommon. Many (80%; 21/26) of the centres have regulations to govern research, but regulations for the use of biobank resources (samples and data) are not well developed. Conclusions: Biobanking facilities are being developed in LMICs. Shortcomings in international visibility, sample sharing regulations, standardization, quality assurance, and sample management systems could be alleviated by international networking. Stakeholders need to work together to increase access to high-quality biological resources for scientific research.

Supporting the development of biobanks in low and medium income countries

“…The surveys among biobanks operating in a LMIC environment show that biobanks have so far mainly been created to support specific programmes targeting major health issues in the countries hosting the biobank [4]. Such programmes may be successful in achieving their aims and also set a precedent for effective biobank management in the region.…”

“…Results from the survey showed that, although information on biobanking activities in Africa is limited, biological resource management infrastructure is being developed [4]. Biobanks were introduced through specific programmes targeted at major health issues affecting the populations of these countries (e.g.…”

Genes for Life: Biobanking for Genetic Research in Africa

“…9,10 African populations are genetically diverse. Fully understanding the genetic basis of disease among the different populations, geographically and ethnically, is central to improving healthcare by identifying new targets for diagnosis and therapy.…”

“…Ownership of the research generated will ensure that findings translate into healthcare practices in the local community, health policies, and regulations. 10 Storage of biological material from patients with rare diseases, found only in African populations, in addition to large stores of material from patients with common conditions, which pose a significant public health risk, and from healthy controls 5,15 will enable Africans to participate in global initiatives to counter health threats.…”

Biobanking

“…Thus, in the first paper, Monaco and Crimi [1], describe the challenges posed by networks of biobanks across different regions and countries in Europe, based on the paradigm of biobanks for rare diseases and the RD-Connect European project. In the subsequent articles, Ravid [2] describes the uniqueness of biobanks of neurological tissues based on the experience of the Netherlands BrainBank, whereas Mackenzie [3] compares and discusses the differences in biobanking for the pharma and biotech industry versus academic research, and Mendy et al [4] review the situation of biobanks in low- to middle-income countries.…”